Welcome at RacingNews365

Become part of the largest racing community in the United Kingdom. Create your free account now!

  • Share your thoughts and opinions about F1
  • Win fantastic prizes
  • Get access to our premium content
  • Take advantage of more exclusive benefits
Sign in

Verstappen, Leclerc and four other drivers hit with grid penalties

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc are set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid, after Red Bull and Ferrari carried out power unit changes.

New power unit elements mean that Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc are set to line up towards the back of the grid for the Belgian Grand Prix. Lando Norris, Esteban Ocon, Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher are the other four drivers to take grid drops for engine-related changes. Verstappen, Leclerc, Bottas and Schumacher will also be hit with separate penalties for exceeding their gearbox component allowances.

What engine and gearbox parts have been changed?

In terms of the 2022 title contenders, Verstappen has taken on a new internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-H and MGU-K in his Red Bull, while Ferrari driver Leclerc is running a fresh MGU-K and energy store. Norris, Ocon and Bottas are on new internal combustion engines, turbochargers and MGU-Hs, with Ocon also swapping out his MGU-K, energy store and control electronics (the latter changed in Schumacher's car as well). As for gearbox changes, Leclerc, Bottas and Schumacher have surpassed the case and cassette limit for the season. Beyond this, Leclerc and Bottas have stepped over the mark with their driveline, gear change components and auxiliary components, along with Verstappen and Schumacher.

x
LATEST Surprise F1 team touted as Verstappen option