Honda has confirmed all four Red Bull and Toro Rosso drivers will take grid penalties at this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix.
For Max Verstappen, Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly, the damage is limited to just a five-place drop as they take on a fresh Spec 4 internal combustion engine.
But for local favourite Daniil Kvyat, the situation is worse as he’ll start from the back of the grid for his home race having taken a full power unit with the exception of the battery.
This is because the Russian had to take his second engine before the other Red Bull-backed drivers after an issue in China earlier this year.
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The move is being taken in an effort to improve chances for a strong result at the next race at Suzuka, Honda’s home race.
“It is definitely the goal to win in Japan,” Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko said.
“Our first goal was to win races and a win at Suzuka would, of course, be the top. It is a circuit that suits Max well and it is the home race of Honda, so what could be better than that?”
In fact, Verstappen has finished on the podium in Japan every year since 2016 and last year in Sochi came through from 19th to finish fifth.