Max Verstappen is remaining “open-minded” regarding his chances in Formula 1’s Belgian Grand Prix, despite conceding his grid drop has complicated his prospects.
Verstappen was certain to require additional power unit components past his allocation at some stage this season since he lost an engine due to an issue in Canada.
The Dutchman was expected to take a demotion at Spa-Francorchamps as the track provides favourable overtaking opportunities compared to the upcoming venues.
Red Bull has since announced that Verstappen’s RB20 will be equipped with a new Internal Combustion Engine this weekend, exceeding his allocation for this season.
Therefore, Verstappen will incur a 10-place grid drop, meaning that the highest he can start the 44-lap encounter will be 11th should he manage to seize pole position.
“I knew of course that it is coming,” Verstappen addressed prior to the weekend’s action commencing. “It’s not a surprise to me.”
Verstappen has accepted grid penalties at Spa in the previous two seasons, but surged through from 14th in 2022 to win and then replicated that from sixth last term.
“We’ll find out on Sunday how good that is going to be, right?” Verstappen quipped.
“Some tracks naturally are a bit better than others. Of course on a street circuit, you wouldn’t want to have an engine penalty.”
However, the three-time F1 champion, who hasn’t won in the past three races, has acknowledged that the closer battle at the sharp end presents a harder proposition.
But although he recognises McLaren and Mercedes’ threat in recent weeks, Verstappen has urged Red Bull to be prepared to maximise opportunities that might arise.
“Probably yes. If you look at our last few races where we haven’t particularly been the fastest.
“I wouldn’t say that with 10 places extra we have a chance of winning. But again, a race can always be turned upside down with moments.
“We have to be open minded and try to make the best of it. That’s what we’ll try to do.
“Also a few places there’s new tarmac, so we need to see how the tires respond to that as well. So still a lot of unknowns.
“Obviously with the weather, quite a bit of rain expected on Friday and Saturday.
“So yeah, just need to follow the weather and just progression through the weekend, and see how competitive we are.”
Nevertheless, Verstappen has insisted that he is setting his sights on climbing higher than trailing home behind his direct rivals in the top five cars on the grid.
Asked whether he considered eighth place the maximum in the race, he stated: “I hope a little bit more, but let’s see. I don’t know, it’s difficult to predict at the moment.”
