Alonso joins Norris, Hadjar and Stroll with Belgian GP grid penalty

Fernando Alonso is the latest driver to be hit with a grid penalty at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, following a trio of power unit changes between Friday practice and Saturday’s running.

When FP3 got under way at Spa-Francorchamps, it was confirmed that Alonso had taken on a new Energy Store (ES), Control Electronics (PU-CE) and Ancillary Component (PU-ANC) – exceeding his allocations for the season on all three points.

As per the regulations, the first time the allocation of any one of the elements is exceeded, a 10-place grid penalty will be applied, with the second time this occurs (and so on) resulting in a five-place grid drop – all penalties at the same event applying in a cumulative manner.

If a driver incurs a penalty exceeding 15 grid places, they will be required to start the race at the back of the field regardless, which is the penalty Alonso now has.

Given Aston Martin’s current struggles, and the team being cut adrift of the pack this weekend as they await upgrades in Hungary, there is unlikely to be much of an impact on Alonso’s starting position.

Alonso is not the only driver taking a power unit-related penalty this weekend, with Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Aston Martin team mate Lance Stroll also due to serve grid drops.