The Miami Grand Prix marks the fifth round of an unprecedented 23-race season, making it all the more concerning for Verstappen and his team. While Verstappen currently holds a narrow six-point lead over his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez, the prospect of a grid penalty could significantly impact his chances of extending his championship lead.
Among his rivals, only Alpine driver Pierre Gasly has exceeded the usage of two gearboxes at this early stage of the season. Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, as well as AlphaTauri’s Nyck de Vries, find themselves on their second gearbox, highlighting Verstappen’s early struggles with this crucial component.
