Verstappen ran with the latest updates during Friday free practice as his engine duty cycle meant that he had to have a new power unit fitted for the opening day of action.

However, teammate Daniel Ricciardo will get use of the changes when he switches to his actual race unit from Saturday morning. Renault works duo Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer will also be running it.

Although the engines of Ricciardo, Magnussen and Palmer have previously been used, the modifications to the power unit – believed to revolve around ignition and spark plugs to optimise a new fuel – can be fitted without the need for a complete replacement unit.

Renault has spent three development tokens on the changes.

Max Verstappen had confirmed after Friday free practice that he was fully expecting engine parity with his teammate from Saturday.

"We have the same stuff on both drivers," he said, following suggestions he would be the only driver racing with the upgrade.

It would also explain why Ricciardo was not aware of there being a difference in engine performance between himself and Verstappen this weekend.

When asked why there had been suggestions Verstappen got an upgrade that he would not get, Ricciardo said: "If I am honest, I've no idea.

"I believe I know I have an engine Saturday/Sunday which is different from the one used today. Let's find out."

All four drivers will also be using the new fuel introduced by Total.