Championship rivals Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have both taken on new gearboxes for this weekend's Russian Grand Prix. The two drivers failed to finish last time out at Monza after coming together, an incident the stewards felt Verstappen was predominantly to blame for. As a result of the clash, Verstappen was handed a three-place grid penalty, though that's since been made a moot point given that he's taken a new Honda engine as well , meaning he'll start from the back of the grid. Given that the pair failed to finish the previous race, they have used the opportunity to take new gearboxes without incurring a penalty, as per FIA regulations. Pierre Gasly will also start the Russian GP with a new gearbox, but for different reasons. Drivers are allowed to change their gearbox should they use it at six consecutive events, which in this case, applies to the AlphaTauri driver. That means he will not incur a grid penalty, with Gasly eyeing a strong finish given that both Verstappen and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who also changed engines , will start from the back of the grid.
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