News
Verstappen and Tsunoda hit with grid penalties at Belgian GP after engine changes
Share
Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda have been hit with grid penalties for the Belgian Grand Prix with both drivers taking on new power units ahead of the weekend.
Red Bull’s Verstappen has moved onto a fifth internal combustion engine (ICE), while RB’s Tsunoda is now on a fifth ICE, turbocharger, MGU-H and MGU-K as well as his third energy store and third set of control electronics.
As per F1’s regulations, should a driver use more power unit elements than the number permitted, a grid place penalty will be imposed upon them at the first event where each additional element is used.
Spa is a circuit that offers plenty of overtaking opportunities, making it a popular choice for grid drops
The first time the allocation of any of the seven power unit elements is exceeded, a 10-place grid penalty will be applied, with the second time (and so on) resulting in a five-place grid drop.
All penalties at the same event apply in a cumulative manner and, if a driver incurs a penalty exceeding 15 grid places, they will be required to start the race at the back.
F1 EXPLAINS: How mechanics keep F1 cars running weekend in, weekend out
It means Verstappen is set for a 10-place grid penalty while Tsunoda will begin Sunday's race from the rear of the grid.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Image Gallery GALLERY: McLaren's 2025 car makes track debut during filming day at Silverstone
Feature INSIGHT: How F1 TV’s ever-evolving presenter, pundit and production team take fans to the heart of the action
Feature From fastest lap to increased rookie running – 7 rule changes you need to know for the 2025 F1 season
Technical TECH ANALYSIS: The gains Williams are targeting with the new FW47
