Carlos Sainz is set to start from the back of the grid for the Japanese Grand Prix after taking on several new power unit components, which will incur a 20-place grid drop.
Toro Rosso has decided to bolt on a sixth MGU-H to the back of his car for Suzuka, as well as a fifth internal combustion engine and a fifth turbo. The first change incurs a 10-place grid drop, while the ICE and turbo each mean additional 5-place drops.
Not long after the changes were announced Sainz crashed heavily into the barriers during FP1 when he got a wheel on the grass while stamping on the power exiting the tight Turn 11. The session was stopped while the marshals removed the wrecked Toro Rosso. Sainz was not hurt in the incident.
Sainz is not alone taking on new components this weekend, others include Ferrari duo Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen as well as Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. However all four drivers are within their allocation of four components for the season, but any further changes will result in grid penalties.
Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko also hinted that changes may be made to the cars of Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo between Friday and Saturday.