Vettel to get 10-spot penalty in Austin

Sebastian Vettel said he is ready to receive the grid penalty as Ferrari decided to introduce a new engine for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.

After some hesitation, the Maranello-based team finally decided to introduce a new engine as a part of preparations for the next season. This decision didn’t hurt Vettel too much even though it means he  probably lost every chance for the championship battle.

“Yes, we will have the hit of a 10-place penalty for a new engine at this event, but it has always been the plan. Obviously if you look at just this race in isolation, for sure it’s not great news but then you have to look at the whole project,” Vettel told reporters at the Circuit of The Americas.

Ferrari has already used its quota of permissible four engines this season. Using a fifth would incur the penalty. With four races remaining, Vettel is 66 points behind the championship leader Lewis Hamilton who can secure new title this weekend.

Photo: ferrari.com