Honda confirm Monza grid penalties for Verstappen and Gasly

As expected, Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly will be the recipients of Honda's new Spec 4 engine at Monza, but usage of the updated unit will lead to grid penalties for both drivers.

Honda opted to introduce its Spec 4 engine over two race weekends, Spa and Monza, with Alex Albon and Dany Kvyat first sampling the unit in Belgium.

"From a PU point of view, the main development is that we plan to run the Spec 4 PU with all four drivers for the first time, after just Albon and Kvyat ran it in Belgium," said Honda technical director Toyoharu Tanabe.

Verstappen: Back-of-grid start at Monza 'no big deal'

"For their first race with Spec 4, Gasly and Verstappen will therefore take grid penalties and start from the back of grid, but we believe they can still race strongly on Sunday.

"We gathered useful data in Spa, which we have used to make changes to PU settings and calibration in preparation for this race.

"We will try to maximize the potential of Spec 4 and hope to get another positive result, maintaining the momentum we gained in Spa."

At Spa, Honda was the first manufacturer to introduce a fourth engine specification this season, doing so after just twelve races.

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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.