Bahrain GP starting grid heavily reshuffled in Sepang: Red Bull driver set for grid drop

Hadjar, teammate of polesitter Max Verstappen, impressively qualified third, but receives a five-place grid penalty. An engine change announced prior to the weekend throws a wrench in the works for the Frenchman.

Hadjar is not the only driver with a grid penalty. Franco Colapinto has received a total penalty of 15 places. This is partly a carryover from his penalty after the Grand Prix in Baku, where he eliminated teammate Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris with a rash move at Turn 1. The stewards handed him a five-place grid drop for that, while the Alpine driver has a new Mercedes engine in his car this weekend, costing him another ten places.

However, Colapinto, who finished P15 in Bahrain GP qualifying, will not start last on Sunday. That spot goes to Arvid Lindblad, as the Briton also received a new engine for his Racing Bulls.