IndyCar stewards announced penalties for Caio Collet and David Malukas on Friday (7) following unapproved engine changes. AJ Foyt Racing swapped the power unit on the #4 Chevrolet following the Nashville GP, while Team Penske made two engine changes during that same race weekend. Both drivers will serve six-position grid penalties for the Portland Grand Prix this coming Sunday (9).
Both Collet’s and Malukas’s entries breached Rule 16.1.2.3.2 of the series rulebook. Fitting a fifth engine of the season is only permitted if all four previous units have completed their required mileage threshold.
Furthermore, Team Penske also violated Article 16.1.6.2.1 after swapping the American’s engine twice in Nashville—a result of his heavy crash during Opening Practice. Under IndyCar regulations, the penalty for the secondary engine change is served at the following round—in this case, the Portland Grand Prix.
Malukas served a similar grid penalty ahead of the oval race in Lebanon, Tennessee. Despite the setback, he mounted a strong comeback to finish third.
Collet, on the other hand, receives his first engine-related grid penalty of the 2026 IndyCar season. The Brazilian will now face a recovery drive in Portland after being demoted six places on the starting grid alongside Malukas.
IndyCar enters a grueling stretch of six races across five weekends to conclude the 2026 campaign. The opening leg of the final sprint takes place at Portland International Raceway in Oregon on August 9.
