For new fans of Formula 1, qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix might have been a bit of a head-scratcher, as they witnessed Max Verstappen blow the opposition away with the P1 time – only to be rewarded with 15th on the grid.
It’s all to do with grid penalties, with Verstappen joining five other drivers – Charles Leclerc, Esteban Ocon, Lando Norris, Zhou Guanyu and Mick Schumacher, in that order – at the back of the grid after they all changed a raft of components on their power units and gearboxes.
Valtteri Bottas will start ahead in P14, meanwhile, given that he has received a 20-place grid drop, rather than a back-of-the-grid start.
Need some more explaining? Let F1 Correspondent Lawrence Barretto and F1 TV presenter Laura Winter be your guides by hitting play on the video above.
Next Up
Related Articles
ExclusiveHow Bearman went from super-sub to star rookie in 2025
ExclusiveWhy Sainz feels ‘vindicated’ after his first Williams year
11 times F1 drivers took another driver’s car number
Winners & Losers5 Winners and 5 Losers from the 2025 season
Tremayne'Why I’ll always have a soft spot for Sauber'
Our writers on the best drivers and stories from 2025