Carlos Sainz started his day on the back foot with news that a 20-place grid penalty awaits the Toro Rosso driver on Sunday.

The big hit comes after multiple component changes on his Renault engine which takes on a sixth MGU-H, and a fifth ICE and turbo.

The added elements will likely put the Spaniard dead last on the grid.

But if that wasn't bad enough, Sainz also heavily damaged his car in the morning's free practice session when he hit the barriers on the exit of Turn 11 after dropping a wheel on the grass.

Another driver running on the engine component limit is Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen. The Finn is on his fourth and final ICE, MGU-K, control electronics and energy store.

One more failure and Raikkonen will also endure a grid penalty.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Bearman blasts Haas: ‘Soft tyre strategy screwed my race’

Oliver Bearman left Bahrain convinced Haas had thrown away a genuine chance of points after…

5 hours ago

F1i Driver Ratings for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix

Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac (DNF) – 3/10 Bottas spun out in the opening laps of the…

6 hours ago

Audi to light up Singapore with striking one-off F1 livery

Audi is turning the Singapore night into a canvas of its own, unveiling a striking…

8 hours ago

The unsuspected failure of Michael Andretti in F1

Michael Andretti was born into this world on this day, 64 years ago. An impressive…

9 hours ago

Lawson hails Racing Bulls gamble after ‘doubting’ team's call

Racing Bulls turned a chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix into a points bonanza, with Liam Lawson…

10 hours ago

Alonso left wanting more despite Aston Martin’s best result

Fernando Alonso delivered to Aston Martin its best result of the 2026 season in Sepang,…

11 hours ago