Verstappen set for grid penalty after Monaco gearbox change

Max Verstappen is set for a five-place grid penalty in Monaco after being forced into a gearbox change due to damage sustained in a crash during the final Formula 1 practice session of the weekend on Saturday.

Verstappen clipped the inside barrier through the second part of the Swimming Pool chicane during a hot lap in FP3, breaking his front-left wheel and sending his car into the wall at the exit of the corner at speed, bringing his session to an early end.

Red Bull continued to work on repairing Verstappen's car in the break between final practice and qualifying, with work ongoing at the start of Q1 as they rushed to try and get the Dutchman out in time to take part in the session.

Should Verstappen make it out in qualifying, he is set to face a five-place grid penalty after the FIA confirmed Red Bull had taken a new gearbox on his car for the remainder of the weekend.

The matter will be referred to the stewards, who will then assess a five-place penalty to Verstappen as the previous gearbox had not made it through six consecutive events as required.