Which drivers are – and which are not – at risk of grid penalties in the last 3 GPs of 2024

As is known, a power unit of modern hybrid Formula 1 cars consists of six individual components: the V6 Turbo thermal engine, the turbocharger (Turbo), the two electric motors MGU-K and MGU-H, the battery and the central electronic unit .

For both the above components, as well as the gearbox and exhaust system, there is a specific number that each driver is allowed to use in the 24 GPs of the entire racing season.

Each excess, each component over this number imposes a penalty of 10 places on the start for the first of those components over the limit, and then 5 places on the start for each of the following – if necessary.

For example, for the V6 engines each driver is entitled to 4 throughout the season (as well as for the Turbo and both electric engines). Max Verstappen placed 5th at the Belgian GP and was penalized 10 places at the start of Spa, then 6th at the Brazilian GP and consequently penalized 5 places at the start of Interlago.

Las Vegas is suitable for drivers who need to choose to accept a penalty for exceeding the limit of a component, because the circuit of the American city offers opportunities for overtaking. Therefore, it is possible that places will be lost at the start in the next three days (21-24/11) by some drivers.

Based on the above, let’s see where F1’s protagonists are, and which of them are most at risk of penalties in the 3 GPs left to close the 2024 season:

• Red Bull: Max Verstappen used, as mentioned above, his 6th V6 engine in Brazil, and it looks like he will have no problem getting the year out with it. He heads to Las Vegas with a near-fresh engine, aiming to take the championship this three days.

• McLaren: Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have the same engine from the Italian GP on September 1st, so it looks extremely likely that they too will have to accept a 10-place penalty for a 5th engine.

• Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton and George Russell do not appear to face any immediate need for an engine or other component change for the final races of the year. So is Fernando Alonso, also with Mercedes units in Aston Martin. It is indicative that it was only in Brazil that the two factory Mercedes installed the second battery and second central control unit (ECU) of the season.