Max Verstappen is set to receive a 10-place grid penalty at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix due to a power unit change.
Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, had anticipated the need for an additional power unit for Verstappen, and the decision has now been made to introduce a new internal combustion engine (ICE) at Spa-Francorchamps. Verstappen has previously demonstrated his ability to advance through the field at this track, having secured victories from lower grid positions in the past two years.
Despite his success in previous races, the current competitive landscape poses a challenge for Verstappen to secure another win on Sunday.
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Verstappen acknowledges the difficulties ahead, stating, “Given our recent performances where we haven’t been the fastest, an additional 10 grid places make winning unlikely.”
This penalty is a result of Verstappen exceeding limits for the first component this season, resulting in the 10-place grid drop.
Verstappen is not the only driver facing penalties this weekend, as Yuki Tsunoda will also start from the back of the grid for introducing a new power unit, including various components such as the ICE, MGU-H, MGU-K, turbocharger, energy store, and control electronics.
