Hartley, Hulkenberg, Vandoorne all set for grid penalties

Brendon Hartley is likely to start his debut Grand Prix from the back of the grid on Sunday. The Toro Rosso newcomer is among a trio of drivers already facing engine penalties in the United States.

Hartley’s car, which he takes over from Pierre Gasly for this weekend’s event, has received its sixth engine of the season in Austin, plus its sixth MGU-H, fifth Energy Store and fifth Control Electronics.

With only four of each element permitted per season under the current rules, it means the New Zealander is set to pick up a grid drop totalling 25 places.

Meanwhile, at Renault Nico Hulkenberg is facing a 20-place demotion for a fifth engine, turbo and MGU-H, and at McLaren Stoffel Vandoorne will lose five places for his eighth engine of the year.