Penalised Verstappen to start near back of Austin grid

Max Verstappen’s hopes of winning the 2017 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix took a major – though not unexpected – hit on Saturday morning when it was confirmed that Red Bull have changed power unit elements on his car.

It means the Dutchman will be penalised 15 grid places for Sunday’s race in Austin, thanks to his use of a sixth engine and sixth MGU-H this season – only four are permitted under the F1 sporting regulations.

Verstappen joins Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg, Toro Rosso debutant Brendon Hartley, and McLaren’s Stoffel Vandoorne on the penalty list.