Motor racing - Verstappen to start Russian GP from the back for taking new engine

Formula One F1 - Russian Grand Prix - Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia - September 24, 2021 Red Bull's Max Verstappen in action during practice REUTERS/Anton Vaganov

(Reuters) - Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen is set to start the Russian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after his Red Bull team elected to fit a new power unit to the Dutchman's car.

The 23-year-old, who leads Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton by five points in the overall standings, was already carrying a three-place grid penalty after a collision with the Briton in the Italian Grand Prix that put both drivers out of the race.