Max Verstappen ‘facing huge grid drop penalty’ for Belgian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen is facing a 10-place grid penalty at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix as Red Bull are planning to fit his car with a new internal combustion engines. The blockbuster star appeared to be cruising to the F1 world title but has seen his lead at the top of the standings reduce after failing to win any of the previous three races.

Verstappen has been on his own at the top of the leaderboard in recent years following regulation changes at the end of the 2021 season.

And he has won the last two world titles at a canter following a close tussle with Hamilton three seasons ago.

Ahead of this weekend’s race, Verstappen had already used four internal combustion engines (ICE), turbochargers, MGU-Hs and MGU-K units on top of two control electronics and energy stores.

And, according to RacingNews365, Red Bull have opted to take the huge grid penalty at the Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium by making the engine change.

That means, wherever Verstappen finishes in qualifying, he will be forced to start 10 places further back on the starting grid – a penalty that will make it incredibly difficult to clinch an eighth race victory of the year.