Hartley to start from the back of the grid in his F1 debut

Toro Ross’s debutant Brendon Hartley will start his first F1 race from the back of the grid due to multiple penalties due to changes to the elements of the Renault power unit.

Team boss Franz Tost has confirmed to Autosport that Hartley will get a brand new power unit, decision which Toro Rosso already made before deciding who will replace Pierre Gasly.

The exact number of grid penalty places is still unknown, but the whole new power unit would bring 30 places for Harley, as it will be the sixth engine, turbo and MGU-H, the fifth energy store and control electronics while the fourth MGU-K which will not add aditional penalty places.

Sources for Autosport confirmed that Max Verstappen could also receive penalties for changes to power unit elements, but it is still not certain whether this will happen this weekend or in one of the upcoming races.

“I’m not sure if this will happen here or in some of the upcoming races. You’ll hear tomorrow,” Verstappen said.

Hartley is the current winner of the 24h Le Mans in the highest LMP1 category and is leading the LMP1 WEC standings with his team mates Bamber and Bernard. Hartley will compete in F1 with No. 39.