Why Red Bull opted for grid penalties again during Italian GP

Pierre Waché, Red Bull Racing's Technical Director, has given more details about the grid penalties for Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez for the Italian Grand Prix. While Red Bull had planned all year that Perez would receive a new engine at Monza, the choice for Verstappen was made more recently.

Red Bull takes grid penalties

Verstappen also changed engines a fortnight ago at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The Dutchman had to start from fourteenth position on that occasion and managed to take a convincing win. To ensure that grid penalties are not necessary later in the season, Red Bull has decided to add a fifth engine to the pool.

"Sergio's grid penalty was planned," said the chief executive to FormulaPassion.it.

"For Max, we thought it would be a good opportunity to replace his combustion engine with an eye to the future. After all, it is relatively easy to overtake here. We are confident that we can have a good race here, despite the penalties." Verstappen is set back five spots on the grid, Perez ten spots.

Perez in lesser form

For the Mexican, it will be an even greater challenge to return to the front of the field. The 32-year-old driver has been in underwhelming form in recent months. Perez peaked at the Monaco Grand Prix, but from then on things only got worse.

"Compared to the beginning of the year, Perez has less confidence in the balance of the car. This creates difficulties for him and his pace relative to Max has deteriorated."

According to Perez, the RB18 has been increasingly developed to Verstappen's liking in recent months, he said in a recent interview. Red Bull itself does not entirely agree, but it does acknowledge that Perez is having a much harder time than in the early stages of the season.