F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ocon and Haas drivers expand grid penalties at Monza

The grid penalties continue to pile up at Monza where over-the-limit engine changes see Esteban Ocon, Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher join six other drivers demoted on Sunday's grid.

Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix weekend, Lewis Hamilton, Yuki Tsunoda and Valtteri Bottas were guaranteed back row starts on Sunday due to multiple engine element changes, while the AlphaTauri driver was also handed two sporting rules sanctions.

But on Friday, Red Bull announced that Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez had also been assigned new hardware components that equated to a five-place drop for the former and a 10-place demotion for the latter.

Furthermore, Ferrari announced that Carlos Sainz had been given a new energy store, MGU-K and gearbox, which equated to a back-of-grid start on Sunday for the Spaniard.

And on Saturday, it was revealed that Alpine had added new components to Ocon's hardware inventory, with the changes amounting to a five-place grid drop for the Frenchman.

But wait, there's more! Both Haas drivers, Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher have taken on new engine elements while the German has been given a new gear box, with the sum of the changes totaling a 15-place grid drop for each of the US outfit's chargers.

Needless to say, the sheer number of grid demotions and those drivers impacted will add intrigue to Saturday's qualifying session, with several midfield contenders having an opportunity to start tomorrow's race in the upper tier of the field.

Here are the grid demotions for Sunday's Italian Grand Prix as they currently stand:

Verstappen: 5-place grid penalty
Ocon: 5-place grid penalty
Perez: 10-place grid penalty
Bottas: 15-place grid penalty
Magnussen: 15-place grid penalty
Schumacher: 15-place grid penalty
Hamilton: Back of grid penalty
Sainz: Back of grid penalty
Tsunoda: Back of grid penalty

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

Through one lens: Twelve photographs from the 2025 F1 season

  Lewis Hamilton: Australian GP – Albert Park Lewis Hamilton’s very first Grand Prix weekend…

8 hours ago

Two Formula 1 racers born on Christmas day

One driver has a hugely famous name, the other is a special Grand Prix winner,…

11 hours ago

Red with purpose – It’s time for Ferrari to bring it home

As the Ferrari factory in Maranello glows in festive crimson, a sense of anticipation hums…

1 day ago

Norris reveals the quirky private moment his F1 title finally sunk in

Lando Norris had just done the hardest thing in motorsport – winning the Formula 1…

1 day ago

Howden Ganley, McLaren's third-ever employee

A veteran of 41 Grands Prix starts, Howden Ganley - seen here above hitting a…

1 day ago

Leclerc’s ‘naughty’ Christmas gift leaves Russell ‘lost for words’

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc may not have ended the season with a silver trophy in hand,…

1 day ago