Alonso to drop to back of US GP grid after complete engine change

Alpine has elected to fit an entirely new set of power unit components in Alonso’s car, consigning the double world champion to the back of the grid. 

Alonso has moved onto his fourth internal combustion engine of the year, as well as taking a fresh turbocharger, MGU-H, MGU-K, energy store and control electronics. 

Alpine has also changed the exhaust system on Alonso’s car for the eighth time this season, meaning he will serve an additional penalty for exceeding the permitted allocation for the year. 

Alonso suffered an on-track stoppage during opening practice on Friday with fluid seen pouring out his car, but Alpine insists the engine change is not related to the problem he encountered. 

It is the latest in a flurry of engine-related grid penalties in Austin this weekend, with Alonso set to be joined at the back of the grid by Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel and the Williams of George Russell. 

Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas will also serve a five-place penalty for moving onto his sixth ICE of the year.