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Max Verstappen will start the United States Grand Prix from near the back of the grid after picking up a 15-place grid penalty. The penalty was expected heading into the weekend, but was only confirmed during the final practice session when he ran a sixth engine and sixth MGU-H.
The Dutchman becomes the fourth driver to take a grid penalty this weekend, after Nico Hulkenberg (20 places), Stoffel Vandoorne (5 places) and debutant Brendon Hartley (25 places). Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko explained why the penalty was taken at Austin.
"The reason is it's easier to overtake on this circuit and is in the best possible shape for Mexico," he said. "It's a circuit where our car was going well last year and Max likes the circuit. "After this disastrous season, we are hoping for some more podiums for Max before the end of the season."
Verstappen also had a new energy store and control electronics unit fitted prior to the start of the weekend. However, as neither unit exceeded the four components per season allowance, the 20-year-old was not penalised.
Fergal Walsh
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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