As the end of the season nears, engine component usage is logically reaching critical levels, with many drivers sitting right on the margin.

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.

We've already learned that rookie Brendon Hartley will be dropped down the grid on Sunday, through no fault of his own as Toro Rosso changes an engine which has reached the end of its cycle.

But both Red Bull Racing drivers find themselves at risk of a demotion come race day. Last night the team was apparently debating with Renault whether to change Max Verstappen's unit or leave it installed for another week until Mexico.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Cadillac confirms ‘substantial upgrade package’ for Austria

After Cadillac’s Sergio Perez recently hinted that fresh performance gains were on the way, the…

3 hours ago

Domenicali suffers for Alonso: ‘I hope he'll be here for a long time’

Fernando Alonso has spent much of his Formula 1 career tormenting rivals. But these days,…

4 hours ago

Formula E sheds urban identity - embraces F1 tracks in Season 13

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has revealed its highly anticipated 21-round calendar for…

5 hours ago

Hirakawa in the saddle with Haas in Austrian GP FP1

Toyota protégé Ryo Hirakawa's Formula 1 journey will take another step forward this weekend as…

7 hours ago

Stewart offers Matra and France their 'Jour de Gloire'

On this day in 1968, Jackie Stewart delivered the first triumph to a French constructor…

8 hours ago

FIA approves major changes to future Formula 1 engine rules

The World Motor Sport Council has officially ratified major updates to Formula 1’s future power…

9 hours ago