Formula One: Max Verstappen, three other fellow Honda drivers set for grid penalty at Russian GP

Max Verstappen is set to take a grid penalty that will hit his hopes of a podium success at this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix.

The Dutchman and his Red Bull team-mate Alex Albon, along with both Toro Rosso drivers, will be using an updated version of Honda’s latest engine.

The two Red Bull men are set to take five-place grid penalties while the Toro Rosso team’s Pierre Gasly takes a five-place penalty and team-mate Daniil Kvyat a heavier sanction because he is due to use more new engine parts.

Honda have chosen to use new power units in Sochi ahead of their home Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka next month.

“Looking at our PU (power unit) usage for the rest of the season, in Sochi all four drivers will get a new Spec 4 ICE (internal combustion engine),” said Honda.

Honda believe they have a chance of a stronger result at Suzuka than at Sochi where Red Bull have been unable to claim a podium finish since the launch of the race in 2014.