It seems there’s a twist of fate for Max Verstappen at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix as reports suggest the Red Bull ace might be starting further back on the grid this weekend.
Verstappen, the three-time World Champion, could encounter a 10-place grid penalty at this weekend’s race. This stems from an engine complication he faced earlier in the season during the Canadian Grand Prix. His team principal, Christian Horner, acknowledged that due to these engine issues, a penalty was inevitable at some point in the season.
The report from RacingNews365 hints that Verstappen might need a new power unit at Spa, exceeding his seasonal allocation and consequently facing the penalty. The unpredictable weather forecast, with a chance of rain, adds another layer of challenge this weekend. Previously, using the full quota of allowed components, Verstappen had to take on a fresh power unit during free practice in Montréal sooner than planned.
Christian Horner explained that the team had been strategizing the best timing to deal with the engine swap, a decision they planned to manage internally. “I’m sure at some point we’ll end up taking an extra engine for Max, it’s just a question of when you choose strategically to do that,” Horner conveyed recently to the media.
Interestingly, Verstappen’s history at Spa suggests he could handle the setback gracefully. He has previously clinched victories there after starting from lower grid positions, having won from 14th in 2022 and 6th last year. Such achievements hint at Verstappen’s ability to navigate the field skillfully, even when the odds appear against him.
While a grid penalty might seem like a setback for Verstappen, his track record and strategic team support could help turn this potential disadvantage into a thrilling challenge at the Belgian Grand Prix.
