FIA Confirms Verstappen Engine Change Ahead of Saudi Grand Prix
Max Verstappen is set to run with a fresh set of engine components at the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as confirmed by Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA. The reigning World Champion will be taking advantage of a strategic engine refresh, with his Red Bull Racing car being equipped with several updated elements ahead of the race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
In a technical document released by the FIA ahead of the race weekend, it was confirmed that Verstappen’s RB21 has been fitted with a brand-new internal combustion engine (ICE), a new turbocharger, updated MGU-H and MGU-K units, and a fresh exhaust system. These changes are well within the seasonal allocation allowed under the current FIA sporting regulations for the 2025 F1 season, meaning Verstappen will not be hit with any grid penalties for the changes.
Each driver is allowed a set number of engine component replacements during the course of the season without incurring penalties—typically four of each major component such as the ICE, MGU-H, MGU-K, and turbocharger, and up to eight exhaust systems. Verstappen’s new hardware falls within his allowed quota, suggesting a calculated move by the team rather than one forced by a failure or urgent reliability concern.
The decision to introduce fresh engine parts in Saudi Arabia appears to be a strategic call from Red Bull and their power unit partner Honda. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is one of the fastest and most challenging venues on the calendar, known for its high-speed corners and long straights that place considerable strain on power units. Given that the season features 24 races, and the first few rounds have already placed heavy demands on engines across the grid, this early change seems to be aimed at ensuring long-term performance and durability.
Verstappen isn’t the only Honda-powered driver receiving new parts this weekend. RB drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, as well as reserve driver-turned-racer Isack Hadjar, have also had the same engine components replaced. This synchronized upgrade across all four Honda-powered entries suggests a proactive move by Honda to stay ahead of potential reliability issues and ensure consistency in performance.
Interestingly, Verstappen’s Red Bull stablemates aren’t the only ones taking new parts in Jeddah. Alpine drivers Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan have also opted for fresh engine components ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. While most of the drivers making changes are still within their first or second use of engine elements, there are early signs of possible concerns for the rest of the season. Both Lawson and Doohan are already on their second MGU-H and turbocharger, placing them halfway through their permitted quota with 19 races still on the calendar. If they are forced to use additional parts beyond the allowed limit, they could face grid penalties in future rounds.
This kind of proactive strategy highlights how closely teams and engine manufacturers are managing component usage this season. With a packed calendar and an emphasis on reliability as much as speed, every decision made around engine wear and replacement can have long-term implications. Honda’s decision to roll out a full power unit update across its driver lineup at this point in the season shows a commitment to staying ahead of the curve, minimizing any risk of mid-season failures or penalties.
For Verstappen, this refresh could be pivotal. After a lackluster sixth-place finish in the previous round, he’ll be looking to bounce back with a strong showing in Saudi Arabia. The Dutchman is currently behind McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ standings and will be aiming to close the gap this weekend. A strong result in Jeddah could not only boost his title campaign but also restore momentum for Red Bull after a slightly rocky start to the season.
With new hardware installed and no penalty holding him back, Verstappen enters the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with renewed focus and performance potential. The decision to upgrade now, before the engine allocations start becoming tighter later in the season, could give him the edge he needs to reclaim control in the championship race. In a season expected to be highly competitive, every detail—from engine strategy to tire management—could make the difference between victory and disappointment.
As the race weekend approaches, all eyes will be on how these engine changes impact Verstappen’s pace and whether the reigning champion can capitalize on his fresh components to return to the top step of the podium.
