Perez and Magnussen set for back-of-the-grid starts at F1 Abu Dhabi finale

Sergio Perez and Kevin Magnussen are set to start on the back row of the grid for Formula 1’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after exceeding their respective power unit allocations for 2020.

Perez, who was forced to use an old-spec power unit en route to claiming a stunning maiden victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix following his late failure at the previous race in Bahrain, will move onto his fourth internal combustion engine (ICE), fourth turbocharger (TC) and fourth MGU-H in Abu Dhabi, meaning he will be hit with a grid drop.

Magnussen will also trigger grid penalties for the final race of the season at the Yas Marina Circuit after taking on new energy store (ES) and control electronics (CE) components. Both drivers are likely to form up on the back row of the grid for Sunday’s race.

Both Perez and Magnussen are heading into their final races with their respective teams Racing Point and Haas after losing their seats for 2021.

Magnussen has already confirmed that he will be moving to America to contest IMSA next season, while Perez, who is yet to secure a drive for 2021, is being considered by Red Bull as it weighs up whether to retain Alex Albon alongside star driver Max Verstappen.

No decision is expected to be made by Red Bull until after this weekend’s final round of the season.

In total, three drivers will take grid penalties for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also set for a three-place grid penalty for causing a collision with Perez on the opening lap of the Sakhir Grand Prix.