Will Verstappen take fourth engine in Russia due to grid penalty announcement?

Max Verstappen has received a three-place grid penalty for the Russian Grand Prix. This means that the Dutchman will start from the fourth position if he goes fastest on Saturday. Possibly Red Bull Racing will use this moment to introduce the fourth engine for Verstappen.

It has become virtually impossible for Verstappen to complete the season with just three engines. Having a fourth power unit fitted in the RB16B does come with grid penalties, but perhaps Red Bull can now combine it with the grid penalty given for his involvement in the incident. Verstappen will then have to start from the back of the grid in Russia.

Mercedes on top in Russia

The track in Sochi is Mercedes territory anyway. Formula 1 has been racing on the semi-state track since 2014 and all seven editions have been won by a Mercedes driver. Four times Lewis Hamilton was the fastest, twice Valtteri Bottas and in 2016 it was Nico Rosberg. The moment it turns out that Mercedes is supreme again this year, a grid penalty would be a good option for Verstappen and his team.

Helmut Marko also agreed immediately after the Italian GP that Russia is not the best circuit for Red Bull. "In principle, Sochi is Mercedes country." Still, there was hope (before it was announced that Verstappen would receive a penalty from the stewards) with Marko: "But we are much closer to Mercedes on any circuit, so it will be close."

Perez already has 'extra' power unit

Sergio Perez already received his fourth engine during the weekend at Zandvoort, so in principle, the Mexican will not have to face any more grid penalties for the remainder of the season.