Max Verstappen hit with penalty at Brazilian Grand Prix as Red Bull boss speaks out

Max Verstappen will start from the back of the grid for Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix after Red Bull confirmed an engine penalty, following a decision to change his engine after Friday’s session. The Dutchman has won three of the last four races and moved ahead of the Ferrari duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc into second in the Drivers’ Championship, but will need a strong recovery to maintain an eighth straight podium. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said Verstappen will take the penalty and start from the back, noting his past “miracles” at Sao Paulo, including a 17th-to-win run in 2024. Verstappen also said qualifying matters less since he’s last. Hamilton and Leclerc receive 10-place penalties, while Mercedes’ George Russell drops five spots for using a sixth 2026-spec ICE.