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
Kim Kardashian’s Shock as Kanye West Reclaims Billionaire Status with Bianca!
Kim Kardashian’s Shock as Kanye West Reclaims Billionaire Status with Bianca! In a surprising turn of events, Kanye West has once again reached billionaire status, this time alongside his new partner, Bianca Censori. The news has not only reignited interest…
SOMETHING’S OFF Bieber And Jaden Smith GO SILENT About Diddy’s Sex Cult..
SOMETHING’S OFF: Bieber and Jaden Smith GO SILENT About Diddy’s Sex Cult In recent weeks, rumors and accusations have surfaced about Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly running a secretive sex cult, involving several high-profile individuals within the entertainment industry. Among those…
Justin Bieber Exposes Will Smith, Diddy And Clive Davis
Justin Bieber Exposes Will Smith, Diddy, and Clive Davis In a shocking revelation that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, pop superstar Justin Bieber has come forward with explosive claims against Hollywood heavyweights Will Smith, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and…
(VIDEO) Selena Gomez Melts Hearts with Heartwarming Visit to Justin Bieber’s Newborn Son Jack Blues Bieber..
A Heartfelt Surprise: Selena Gomez’s Visit to Jack Blues Bieber Selena Gomez’s surprise visit to meet Justin Bieber’s newborn son, Jack Blues Bieber, has been the talk of the town. The pop star, known for her compassion and empathy, made…
Kim Kardashian Turns Heads As She Brings Her Children To Kanye West’S Private Concert – A Heartwarming Display Of Family Unity
Kim Kardashian recently made headlines as she attended a private concert by Kanye West, bringing along their children to enjoy the event. The occasion not only captured attention for its star-studded lineup but also for the heartwarming image of family…
Kim Kardashian Addresses Allegations of Lookalike Chaney Jones Copying Her Appearance
In a recent interview, Kim Kardashian addressed the allegations that Chaney Jones has been trying to steal her looks. Kardashian expressed her annoyance and frustration over the situation, stating that she does not appreciate someone copying her style and identity….
End of content
No more pages to load