Lindblad, Colapinto and Bortoleto receive grid penalties for US Grand Prix power-unit changes

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

Arvid Lindblad, Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto have been handed grid penalties for the United States Grand Prix after each driver exceeded the maximum number of allocated power unit components ahead of this weekend’s race in Austin.

Under Formula 1 regulations, when a driver uses an allocated power unit element beyond the permitted number for the season, the first breach triggers a 10-place grid penalty. A second and any subsequent breach at the same event results in a five-place additional grid drop, with all penalties at that event applied cumulatively. If the total penalty exceeds 15 grid places, the driver must start the race from the back of the field.

Lindblad’s penalty comes after Racing Bulls installed a sixth internal combustion engine (ICE) of the season. He had previously started at the back of the grid in Malaysia when Racing Bulls fitted his fifth ICE, but the team has now opted to change the ICE again, taking him to six for the campaign. As a result, Lindblad will take a five-place penalty for the United States Grand Prix.

Colapinto’s grid penalty is tied to a new control electronics unit. The Alpine driver will receive his fourth control electronics unit of the season, a change that will cost him 10 positions from his qualifying result as he seeks to close Alpine’s gap to midfield rivals Racing Bulls.

Bortoleto’s situation is driven by multiple power-unit-related changes following Audi’s work on his car. The Brazilian will take his fourth energy store unit and fourth control electronics unit, which are the elements expected to determine his penalty. Additional replacements—including a new ICE, turbocharger, exhaust set and power unit ancillary component—have been introduced as well, but remain within the allocation and therefore will not factor into the penalty total.

Based on the allocation breaches described, Lindblad is set for a five-place drop, Colapinto will lose 10 positions from his qualifying result, and Bortoleto is expected to start from the back of the grid due to a likely 20-place penalty.

Qualifying for the United States Grand Prix is scheduled to begin at 16:00 local time on Saturday, with lights out in Austin set for 15:00 on Sunday.