Max Verstappen to Face 10-Place Grid Penalty for Belgian Grand Prix

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will receive a 10-place grid penalty for the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix after exceeding his engine allocation.

This penalty comes as Verstappen and Red Bull have introduced a fourth Honda power unit, the maximum allowed per season.

Verstappen’s penalty was anticipated following his loss of a power unit during the Canadian Grand Prix in June 2024.

The decision to apply the penalty at Spa-Francorchamps is strategic, as the circuit is known for its overtaking opportunities, which may help mitigate the impact of starting further down the grid.

Despite leading the 2024 Drivers’ Championship by 76 points over McLaren’s Lando Norris, Verstappen has not won any of the last three races.

This penalty marks the third consecutive year he will face a grid penalty at Spa. He won the race from 14th position in 2022 and from 6th in 2023.