Several IndyCar drivers, including Nolan Siegel, Marcus Ericsson, and Mick Schumacher, have been assessed six-place grid penalties for unapproved engine changes shortly before the start of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. These penalties place them further down the starting order for the race, which is set to take place around the National Mall.
Santino Ferrucci in the No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet also received a grid penalty for an unapproved engine change. These types of penalties are not uncommon late in the season as teams are limited to a specific number of engines per year.
However, the penalties could pose a significant challenge on a circuit where overtaking is still considered an unknown factor. Starting further back requires drivers to work harder to reach the front of the field. Both Siegel's No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet and Ericsson's No. 28 Andretti Global Honda, along with Schumacher's No. 47 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda, have demonstrated competitive pace throughout the weekend. Ericsson, in particular, expressed confidence earlier in the weekend that overtaking would be possible.
Teams had a final opportunity to prepare during a brief, half-hour warm-up session Sunday morning. The session concluded without major incidents, offering teams some relief as they head into the 250-mile race. Pre-race coverage for the IndyCar Freedom 250 begins at 11:30 a.m. ET on FOX, with the race scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET.