Overview
- Red Bull fitted a fresh power unit and started Max Verstappen from the pit lane in Brazil after a Q1 exit.
- McLaren asked the FIA if the change should count toward Red Bull’s spending limit, citing a disadvantage for customer teams who must pay for extra engines.
- FIA single‑seater director Nikolas Tombazis called the current framework a weakness and said the body has avoided intent‑based engine probes.
- From 2026, a power‑unit manufacturer cost cap and fixed component costs are intended to close the loophole and deter strategic changes.
- Red Bull’s Paul Monaghan described the swap as legitimate and said the team expects no penalty, adding the removed engine could be reused if required.