Verstappen has reached his fifth internal combustion engine (ICE) while Tsunoda has also used his fifth ICE, turbocharger, MGU-H and MGU-K, along with his third energy store and third set of control electronics.
According to Formula 1 regulations, if drivers exceed the permitted number of power unit elements, a penalty will be imposed on their starting position at the first event where the additional elements are used. Once exceeded, a 10-place grid penalty will be enforced, with subsequent violations resulting in a five-place grid drop.
If a driver’s penalty exceeds 15 grid places, they will start the race from the very back of the grid. Consequently, Verstappen will face a 10-place grid penalty, while Tsunoda will begin the Hungarian GP from the back of the grid or potentially from the pitlane, depending on the team’s strategy.
The three-time F1 World Champion and current leader in the Championship, Verstappen had a fantastic start to his weekend by setting the fastest time in FP1 for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francochamps on Friday. On the other hand, Tsunoda finished the session in 16th place.