George Russell is spoken to by Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver.
Max Verstappen could be set for a 10-place grid penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, a report has claimed.
After experiencing engine problems at the Canadian Grand Prix earlier this season, the three-time World Champion is now left with one fewer power unit in his pool. Team principal Christian Horner has acknowledged that the team will have to impose a penalty on him at a later point in the season.
Max Verstappen reportedly set for Belgian GP grid penalty with new power unit
A report from RacingNews365 has claimed the Red Bull driver could be set to take a new power unit at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, beyond his allocation for the season, prompting a 10-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race – with early forecasts suggesting it could be a wet weekend at Spa.
He has already exhausted his entire allotted quota of permitted components for the season on at least one occasion. However, due to problems with one engine in the pool during free practice in Montréal, he had to replace the entire power unit earlier than expected.
Horner acknowledged that the team would need to acquire an additional engine for the three-time World Champion at some point during this season, and they would collectively determine the most suitable timing.
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Horner recently clarified to media, including PlanetF1.com, that there will come a time when we will opt to provide Max with an additional engine. The decision, however, solely relies on strategic timing.
We will collaborate with Honda on this matter, but it is inevitable that we will face a penalty at some stage.
According to RacingNews365, it is believed that the upcoming race weekend will take place at Spa. They anticipate that Verstappen will be equipped with a brand-new internal combustion engine [ICE], providing ample chances for overtaking. Verstappen has displayed impressive performances at this circuit in the past two years, triumphing from 14th on the grid in 2022 and securing victory from 6th place last year.
Such a move, if it were to occur, would also follow a recent trend for Verstappen and Red Bull, with the Dutch driver having won from those places on the grid after having taken engine-related penalties at Spa for each of the last two seasons.
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