Verstappen Belgian GP grid drop confirmed

Max Verstappen has been hit with a five-place grid drop for Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix for excessive component usage.

The F1 championship leader is to take on his fifth gearbox of 2023 at Spa, exceeding his seasonal allowance of four and ensuring that the Dutchman will start no higher than sixth for Sunday's race.

Verstappen is no stranger to starting in the midfield at Spa, having lined up only 14th on the grid for last year's race after exceeding his quota of power unit elements.

However, the Dutchman made quick work of the mid-pack and had moved into the race lead by Lap 12, going on to win by 17 seconds from teammate Sergio Perez.

Perez himself has also used his quota of four gearboxes for 2023, meaning the Mexican too will be in line for a penalty if he takes on a new component.