Max Verstappen will inherit a 10-place grid drop from wherever he qualifies at this weekend’s Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix as he has exceeded his engine allowance.
Verstappen was known to require additional power unit parts at some moment this term since he sustained a problem during practice in June’s Canadian Grand Prix.
Red Bull opted to introduce a fourth engine into Verstappen’s pool in Spain last month to leave him at the maximum allocation and all but certain to be later penalised.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner revealed the side was planning to be strategical with the timing and Spa-Francorchamps represents an easier track to make overtakes.
The Dutchman climbed from 14th on the grid to triumph at the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix and was also victorious despite being demoted down to sixth 12 months ago.
However, Verstappen is poised to have a harder challenge this time around as McLaren showed at the Hungaroring last weekend that it can land a 1-2 result on merit.
As Red Bull has moved Verstappen onto a fifth Internal Combustion Engine he will drop 10 spots on the grid, but Yuki Tsunoda has taken on an entire new powertrain.
Therefore, the RB driver will be hit with an automatic demotion to the back and will start in last place unless other competitors also fit a power unit outside their pool.
Meanwhile, Verstappen is also braced to receive another drop later in the campaign as he is using his last battery, control electronics, electric motor and turbocharger.
