Max will have to drive a catch-up race
![1st free practice of the Russian GP 2021](https://topgear.static-vds.nl/uploads/2021/09/1e-vrije-training-van-de-gp-van-rusland-2021-6.jpg)
It has been rumored for some time that Max Verstappen would take grid penalties for the Russian GP. After the race at Monza, Verstappen already had a three-place grid penalty. However, Red Bull confirms in the 2nd free practice that every component of Verstappen’s engine will be replaced. As a result, Max will start at the very back on Sunday.
Teams may only use a certain number of engine parts per car. If they go over that limit, they receive grid penalties per replaced part. After Max’s hard crash at Silverstone, the bike was so damaged that it could no longer be used. Because Verstappen already has a grid penalty, the team now decides to replace all parts and to collect the corresponding grid penalties. If all goes well, Verstappen could then finish the rest of the season without grid penalties.
Verstappen will hope for rain
Rain may fall during the race in Sochi on Sunday. That should help Verstappen make his way through the field, but then he has to stay out of trouble in between the chaos. That won’t be easy because he has to pass a lot of cars on a difficult track. He is assisted by a fresh engine, which always has more power than a copy that has already had a number of races on it.