Ben Hunt is an award-winning motorsport journalist with over two decades of experience in Formula 1 and international media. As a former editor-in-chief and bestselling author, he delivers in-depth analysis and strategic insight from the highest level of the sport.
Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez have all exceeded their permitted engine allocations at the São Paulo Grand Prix, and face substantial grid penalties - shaking up the grid for the race in Sao Paulo.
All four drivers have taken a fifth internal combustion engine for the 2026 season, exceeding the allocation of four. The FIA's report, issued on Saturday, flags each change as a breach of Article B8.2.2 a) of the Formula One Sporting Regulations.
The document identifies further power unit allocation breaches for Verstappen and Perez, with both drivers also taking a fifth turbocharger against a permitted allocation of four.
Additional changes for Verstappen and Perez
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Verstappen has also introduced his fifth exhaust set of the season, exceeding the allowance of four. That means the Red Bull driver is listed as exceeding the allocation in three separate component categories: the internal combustion engine, turbocharger and exhaust set.
Perez, meanwhile, has taken a fourth motor generator unit-kinetic, or MGU-K. With only three permitted for the season, the Cadillac driver is also listed with breaches across three categories.
Russell’s new component remains within the rules
George Russell, Verstappen and Perez have also taken new power unit ancillary components, but these changes remain within the permitted allocation of six.
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Russell and Verstappen are each taking their sixth such component, while Perez is taking his fifth. The technical delegate explicitly confirms that these changes comply with the regulations.
The report records the allocation breaches but does not specify any grid penalties. The precise sanctions and their effect on the São Paulo Grand Prix starting order therefore cannot be confirmed until post-qualifying.
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