BREAKING: FIA CONFIRMS MASSIVE GRID PENALTIES FOR Mercedes Star at UNITED STATES GP following…read mor
The FIA has confirmed that Formula 1 drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Franco Colapinto will face significant grid penalties at Sunday’s United States Grand Prix, while Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad has also been linked to a further setback following power unit changes in Austin.
With the 2026 season entering its closing stages, teams are increasingly facing challenges with engine reliability and power unit component limits. The latest FIA decisions have delivered another blow to drivers hoping to secure valuable championship points at the Circuit of the Americas.
BORTOLETO FACES A MASSIVE 20-PLACE GRID DROP
Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto has received the heaviest penalty after exceeding the permitted allocation for two power unit components.
The Brazilian has been fitted with his fourth energy store and fourth control electronics unit of the season, despite the regulations allowing only three of each.
As a result, Bortoleto faces a combined 20-place grid penalty, putting him at a major disadvantage heading into Sunday’s race. Under Formula 1 regulations, a penalty exceeding 15 grid places means the driver must start from the back of the grid.
The punishment comes after Bortoleto showed encouraging pace during Friday’s practice sessions, finishing eighth in FP1 and 11th in FP2. His performance had offered Audi hope of a competitive weekend, but the penalty has significantly complicated his race strategy.
COLAPINTO ALSO HIT WITH A HEAVY PENALTY
Alpine’s Franco Colapinto is another driver who will suffer a major setback in Austin.
The Argentine has received a fourth control electronics unit, exceeding the permitted allocation of three for the season. This has triggered a 10-place grid penalty.
Although Colapinto’s punishment is less severe than Bortoleto’s, it could still damage his chances of scoring important points as Alpine continues its battle against midfield rivals.
The penalty means Colapinto will need a strong qualifying performance and an effective race strategy to recover positions on Sunday.
LINDBLAD’S SITUATION ADDS MORE DRAMA
Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad has also faced scrutiny after taking his sixth internal combustion engine of the campaign, exceeding the permitted allocation of four.
Reports initially indicated that Lindblad would receive a five-place grid penalty. However, the FIA document confirming the sanction was subsequently recalled, leaving uncertainty over its final status at the time of reporting.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Under FIA regulations, the first additional power unit component beyond the permitted allocation usually results in a 10-place penalty, while subsequent breaches involving the same component carry five-place penalties.
With Sunday’s United States Grand Prix approaching, all eyes will be on qualifying and the final starting order.
For Bortoleto and Colapinto, the challenge is clear: overcome their grid setbacks and fight back through the field. In a championship where every point matters, their ability to recover could prove crucial as the 2026 season approaches its conclusion.
