Racing Point Hand Mclaren F1 a Big Advantage in Close P3 Battle Ahead of Season Finale in Abu Dhabi

Racing Point and Mclaren are going neck and neck in the battle for 3rd place in the Constructor’s Championship. Going into the last round of the 2020 season in Abu Dhabi, just 10 points separate the two midfield runners.

Racing Point’s Perez gets Grid Penalty

Sergio Perez won his maiden race at Sakhir GP last weekend with an old engine in the back of his car. Since the Mexican had an unfortunate engine failure whilst running 3rd at Bahrain GP. The outer layout in Sakhir was a strong track for the team. Hence they fitted his car with a previously used engine to avoid grid penalties and maximize their result. It clearly paid off for them.

But that engine was barely holding on in the race itself. There are doubts within the team if it will last without problems for another race. Hence now the team has no option but to fit a new internal combustion engine, turbocharger, and MGU-H unit to his car.

It is the 4th time they are using new engine components this season, which exceeds the maximum limit of 3 given to every car. Beyond that, a driver will incur penalties. Hence, Perez will start the final race from the back of the grid, irrespective of his qualifying result.

How can Mclaren overtake Racing Point?

Mathematically, a team can extract 43 point plus a point (total 44) for the fastest lap on a race weekend. For a team that has just 3 podiums to its name all season, it may too far-fetched to expect a double podium in this race. At least one of their drivers must finish 4th or higher to have a shot.

Although the former Force India team have handed their rivals an advantage, they are still the favorites to clinch 3rd. Having a fresh Mercedes engine will allow Perez to use it to its maximum potential. He can go full throttle since his risk of engine failure is minimal now. And we know that he can still do miracles from the back of the grid, as seen by his stunning comeback win last weekend.

All of this sets up for an exciting race weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit. Neither of the teams have had even a sniff of 3rd place for the Team battle in the Turbo-Hybrid era. It is a chance to grab the bragging rights.