Power unit elements status for Singapore

Mercedes power unit
©WRI2

Engine component usage is predictably growing as Formula 1 enters its final leg of the season and several front-runners approach the feared limit.

As a reminder, drivers are permitted to use only four of each of the six elements that make up the power unit under current regulations. Any more than that and they start getting some painful grid penalties.

There's a 10-place penalty the first time a fifth element is used. When any of the remaining elements is used, there's another five-place drop imposed. And the first time a sixth element is used, another 10-place grid penalty is applied.

Looking at the where everyone stands before Singapore, beyond McLaren's ridiculous over-consumption, both Mercedes and Ferrari are one ICE failure away from their limit.

Both teams reckon that the odds favour at least one of their drivers suffering a setback before the season runs its course.

The later it happens, the more impact it could have on the championship fight between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.

Perhaps both contenders will get hit with a grid penalty at the same time? Now that would nicely spice up the title battle!

Power Element Usage

DriverICETCMGU-HMGU-KESCE
Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton444322
Valtteri Bottas444322
Red Bull/TAG Heuer
Daniel Ricciardo556322
Max Verstappen555233
Ferrari
Sebastian Vettel343333
Kimi Räikkönen343333
Force India/Mercedes
Sergio Pérez333222
Esteban Ocon333232
Williams/Mercedes
Felipe Massa333222
Lance Stroll333222
McLaren/Honda
Fernando Alonso799765
Stoffel Vandoorne71010766
Toro Rosso/Renault
Daniil Kvyat555244
Carlos Sainz335323
Haas/Ferrari
Romain Grosjean444333
Kevin Magnussen443333
Renault
Nico Hülkenberg345333
Jolyon Palmer455233
Sauber/Ferrari
Marcus Ericsson344333
Pascal Wehrlein444333

Notes:

  • ICE: Internal Combustion Engine
  • TC: Turbo Charger
  • MGU-H: Motor Generator Unit – Heat
  • MGU-K: Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic
  • ES: Energy Store
  • CE: Control Electronics