Power unit elements status for Singapore

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

Driver	ICE	TC	MGU-H	MGU-K	ES	CE
Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton	4	4	4	3	2	2
Valtteri Bottas	4	4	4	3	2	2
Red Bull/TAG Heuer
Daniel Ricciardo	5	5	6	3	2	2
Max Verstappen	5	5	5	2	3	3
Ferrari
Sebastian Vettel	3	4	3	3	3	3
Kimi Räikkönen	3	4	3	3	3	3
Force India/Mercedes
Sergio Pérez	3	3	3	2	2	2
Esteban Ocon	3	3	3	2	3	2
Williams/Mercedes
Felipe Massa	3	3	3	2	2	2
Lance Stroll	3	3	3	2	2	2
McLaren/Honda
Fernando Alonso	7	9	9	7	6	5
Stoffel Vandoorne	7	10	10	7	6	6
Toro Rosso/Renault
Daniil Kvyat	5	5	5	2	4	4
Carlos Sainz	3	3	5	3	2	3
Haas/Ferrari
Romain Grosjean	4	4	4	3	3	3
Kevin Magnussen	4	4	3	3	3	3
Renault
Nico Hülkenberg	3	4	5	3	3	3
Jolyon Palmer	4	5	5	2	3	3
Sauber/Ferrari
Marcus Ericsson	3	4	4	3	3	3
Pascal Wehrlein	4	4	4	3	3	3

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

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.