In what appears to be Red Bull’s first setback for the Belgian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen is expected to start the race ten places further back on the grid than his qualifying position. This is due to the team’s anticipated decision to incur a severe grid penalty at Spa-Francorchamps for using a new power unit on his RB20.
The championship leader has already exhausted the permitted four power unit elements for the 2024 season, having done so within the first ten races due to component failures. It is now expected that Red Bull will equip Verstappen’s car with a fresh internal combustion engine for this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, which would mark his fifth ICE for the season.
The current F1 power unit includes seven elements: the internal combustion engine (ICE), motor generator unit-kinetic (MGU-K), motor generator unit-heat (MGU-H), energy store (ES), control electronics (CE), turbocharger, and the exhaust.
Throughout the 2024 season, a driver is limited to using up to four motor generator units-heat (MGU-Hs), motor generator units-kinetic (MGU-Ks) internal combustion engines (ICEs), and turbochargers. Additionally, they are limited to two energy stores, two control electronics units, and eight sets of each of the four elements that comprise an exhaust system. In Verstappen’s case, his car has already gone through several power unit elements and all four engines.
Despite the boost in McLaren’s pace, which has made it the fastest car on the grid today, Red Bull might have strategically chosen the Belgian GP for Verstappen to take his grid penalty and opt for a fifth engine. This decision likely considers Verstappen’s past success at Spa, where he has previously overcome grid penalties to secure victory.
In 2022, Verstappen started from 14th due to grid penalties and defied the odds to win the race at Spa. The following year, despite a five-place gearbox penalty, he triumphed in his eighth consecutive Belgian GP. The 7.004-kilometer circuit is known for its multiple overtaking opportunities and has been a strategic venue for teams to take deliberate engine penalties.
Verstappen arrives at the race weekend with a 76-point lead over Lando Norris in the Drivers’ Standings. However, the upcoming engine penalty poses a significant threat to his advantage. Should McLaren and Mercedes replicate their impressive performances from the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen’s lead could narrow considerably.
News
Kane Brown completely melted hearts in Philadelphia when he brought out the most unexpected stars of the night—two little boys who stole the entire show! As the spotlight turned on them, the crowd went wild, and the moment they started singing “Heaven,” the arena was flooded with emotion
Kane Brown has a knack for creating unforgettable moments with his fans, and his concert in Philadelphia on February 21, 2019 at the SNHU Arena was no exception. Known for his deep connection with his audience, Kane made the night even more magical when he invited two…
Kenny Loggins’ surprise appearance during Blake Shelton’s “Footloose” performance at the CMA Awards was a legendary moment! Shelton’s version of the song was already a big hit at the time, and having Loggins—the original artist—come out mid-performance must have been such a nostalgic and exciting surprise for the crowd.
Singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins shot to superstardom when the 1984 movie Footloose was released. He sang two songs on the film’s soundtrack, “I’m Free” and the iconic tune “Footloose.” “Footloose” was co-written written by Loggins and Dean Pitchford and released by Loggins in…
Kane Brown is known for being down-to-earth and connecting with his fans, and bringing a 6-year-old fan like Taya on stage to sing “What Ifs” must have been an unforgettable experience for both her and the crowd. “What Ifs” is one of his biggest hits, and sharing that spotlight with a young fan shows his appreciation for those who love his music.
Country superstar Kane Brown made waves at the North Dakota State Fair on Saturday (July 31) when he pulled a… Kane Brown singing with young fan Country superstar Kane Brown made waves at the North Dakota State Fair on Saturday (July 31)…
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton have such great chemistry, both as a couple and as duet partners, so when Gwen joined Blake on stage to sing their duet, it was probably an unforgettable performance. The fact that Gwen said, “I’ve never done this before!” adds an extra layer of excitement—whether it’s because she was performing that song live for the first time or stepping onto a new stage with Blake.
Gwen Stefani surprised concertgoers in St. Paul, Minnesota on Friday during Blake Shelton’s concert after joining him on stage for an electrifying performance. The couple – who have been dating for a little over ten months – sang their duet,…
Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina set the stage on fire at the ACM Awards with their sizzling duet of ‘What Ifs.’ Their chemistry was off the charts, leaving the audience breathless and craving more!
Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina have been lifelong friends since their days singing in the choir back in middle school. And while the two hitmakers also have significant others in their lives, the twosome certainly turned up the heat during their ACM Awards…
Miranda Lambert thrilled concertgoers with a surprise duet alongside country music legend Reba McEntire. The unexpected performance left fans buzzing as the two powerhouse singers joined forces on stage, delivering a captivating rendition of a beloved country classic.
Miranda Lambert brought out Reba McEntire during a recent concert, and fans couldn’t believe their eyes–or ears. The fun surprise took place shortly before the “Actin’ Up” songstress wrapped up her set at Stagecoach over the weekend. During the end of her performance,…
End of content
No more pages to load
