All bar three Formula 1 drivers have taken new power unit parts for this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix after the rule limiting how many components they may use was relaxed.
Drivers were originally limited to no more than three examples each of their engine, turbocharger, MGU-H and MGU-K for the entire season. The FIA World Motor Sport Council last week agreed to increase the limit to four.The fourth round of 23 this year takes place at Baku City Circuit, a track with many long straights which places a high demand on engine performance. Teams therefore often fit fresh power units to their cars for this event.
A total of 17 drivers will have at least one new power unit component this weekend. All the Mercedes drivers bar Lando Norris, who has already had a power unit change following a failure earlier this year, will take new engines, turbocharges, MGU-Hs, MGU-Ks and exhausts. Yuki Tsunoda also has the same in his RBPT Honda-powered AlphaTauri.
Three Ferrari-powered drivers – Carlos Sainz Jnr and the Haas pair – have taken new MGU-Hs, while Nico Hulkenberg also has a new MGU-K.
Red Bull and Ferrari have fitted new exhausts to their cars, as has Haas for Hulkenberg. These are the second of eight examples they may use over the year.
Six other drivers – the Haas and Williams duos plus Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon – also have complete new gearboxes.
None of the drivers will incur penalties for these changes. Lando Norris, Valtteri Bottas and Nyck de Vries are the only drivers not to have taken any new components this weekend.
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