Vettel set to take F1 grid penalty for engine change in Austin

Sebastian Vettel has confirmed that he will serve a grid penalty for a Formula 1 engine change at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Aston Martin F1 Team walks the circuit with the team.
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Aston Martin F1 Team walks the circuit with the…
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The FIA has yet to officially confirm the change so it’s still unclear whether he will take a 10-place grid penalty for a new ICE (internal combustion engine) or an entirely fresh power unit.

Vettel becomes the latest Mercedes-powered driver to take a penalty for fresh engine components with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas serving grid penalties of their own in recent rounds.

Mercedes has had issues with the ICE part of its power unit throughout the season, leaving it with “question marks” over reliability.

In the pre-race FIA press conference, Vettel said: "I think we are heading into a difficult weekend, we are changing the engine and therefore we've got to have a penalty."

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