Following the last grand prix in Singapore, RB put an end to long-standing speculation by announcing that Liam Lawson will take over from Daniel Ricciardo for the rest of the 2024 season, starting with the United States GP.

Lawson stepped in for Ricciardo in five races last year after the Australian driver suffered a wrist injury during the Dutch GP weekend and has been hoping for an F1 comeback since then.

However, now that his wish has come true, he faces a grid drop penalty for Sunday’s race due to a power unit change.

The New Zealander will use a fifth internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-H, and MGU-K, exceeding the limit of four allowed for the 2024 F1 season.

He has also switched to a third energy store and control electronics, surpassing the season limit of two for each part.

According to F1 regulations, power unit components are assigned to the car, not the driver, therefore, Lawson inherits Ricciardo’s pool of components.

As a result, he received a 60-place grid penalty and will start from the back of the field.