Rumour has it that Max Verstappen is set to receive a grid penalty at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix. The Dutch driver is reportedly planning to use his fifth engine of the season at Spa. As this is against FIA rules, the three-time world champion will inevitably face a ten-place grid penalty for a new ICE.
Before the Spanish Grand Prix, Red Bull last equipped Max Verstappen’s car with a new powertrain – the fourth of the season. The combustion engine, turbo, MGU-H, and MGU-K were all brand new at the time. This brought the three-time world champion to his limit. If Verstappen uses a fifth engine in 2024, the FIA will be forced to give him a ten-place grid penalty.
Verstappen’s Engine Change and Potential Grid Penalty at Spa
Verstappen had already installed a new engine in his car during the Canadian Grand Prix, but it was sacrificed after the second free practice. It remains uncertain whether this model can still serve him – old engines can be reused indefinitely.
Grid Penalty at Spa
It is not unreasonable that Verstappen would want to incur a grid penalty specifically at Spa. Over the last two years, the Dutch driver also had to give up a number of places in Belgium. In 2022, he dropped from P1 to P14 because he had installed a new engine in his car. In 2023, he clocked the fastest time during qualifying again, but started from P6 due to a gearbox change. Since overtaking at Spa is relatively easy, he still managed to win both times.
However, it remains to be seen whether he could repeat this trick this weekend. The competition is indeed much more threatening than in previous years. Waiting for a new engine is not realistic. After the summer break, Verstappen is facing a home race at Zandvoort, where he certainly does not want to risk a grid penalty.
Upcoming Belgian Grand Prix
Find out everything about the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix.
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