Max Verstappen is among the drivers who will receive new components in the power unit this weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix of Formula 1. Unlike other competitors, the Red Bull Racing driver will not suffer any grid penalty because of these updates
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The update on the four-time world champion’s car comes at an important moment in the season, on a circuit traditionally favorable to overtaking. The decision also reinforces the teams’ strategy to manage the allowed component limit throughout the championship.
In Verstappen’s car, a new internal combustion engine, a new turbocharger, and a new exhaust system were installed. Even with the replacement of these components, the Dutchman remains within the regulatory limit established by the FIA, and therefore, will keep his starting position as defined in the qualifying session.
His teammate, Isack Hadjar, received exactly the same components for the Spa-Francorchamps round. However, the Frenchman confirmed during the press activities on Thursday that he will have to start from the back of the grid at the Belgian GP.
Another situation involves Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes added a fourth power unit to the Italian’s available set for this weekend, while evaluating, as a precaution, the equipment used during the British GP.
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For now, Antonelli escapes any punishment. However, a new component replacement throughout the season will automatically result in a loss of positions on the starting grid, increasing the pressure on the German team’s mechanical management in the upcoming rounds.
McLaren also confirmed changes for Spa. Lando Norris will start the weekend knowing he will lose ten positions on the grid. In a statement, the team explained: “We chose to do this in Belgium, a circuit where overtaking is relatively more frequent, instead of the next two rounds in Hungary and Zandvoort. We now plan to use this fourth electronic power unit for the rest of the season, to maximize reliability while minimizing sporting penalties for Lando,” the statement concludes.
Lance Stroll will also be penalized at the Belgian GP. The Aston Martin driver exceeded the allowed number of MGU-K units for the season, and consequently, will lose positions on the starting grid for Sunday’s race.
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