New chassis and pitlane start for Verstappen

The Red Bull driver had been due to line-up on the back row of the grid after hitting the barriers hard at the Swimming Pool section.

That was caused by him damaging his suspension by clipping the barrier at the entry to the second part of that sequence.

Red Bull has discovered the damage to be so severe it will change the chassis, which in turn leads to the penalty of a pitlane start as the car has to be taken out of parc ferme conditions.

Verstappen is still hopeful of a respectable finishing position, with team-mate Daniel Ricciardo proving Red Bull's pace this weekend by taking pole position.

"We have a great car, the pace is good. Definitely we can get past some cars," said the 18-year-old.

"I will certainly try. After the top guys and the Ferraris there is a big pace difference so hopefully we can take advantage of that.

"Apparently there is rain expected, that would be nice."