Isack Hadjar has been handed a 15-place grid penalty after power unit changes to his Red Bull for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix.
Red Bull have confirmed that Isack Hadjar will start the Belgian GP from the back of the grid. The Frenchman’s RB22 has been fitted with multiple new components, exceeding the season allocation for the Internal Combustion Engine, Turbocharger, and Exhaust.
Regulations state that a 10-place grid drop is applied for the first time the allocation is exceeded, with an additional 5 places for further infringements.
These penalties are cumulative, so Hadjar will start the race from the back of the field regardless of his performance in Saturday’s qualifying session.
The Red Bull driver won’t be alone at the back of the grid though, as others are also taking the same penalty this weekend. Spa-Francorchamps is a popular choice for teams to take an engine-related grid penalty. Due to its many overtaking opportunities, a recovery drive is on the cards for drivers taking grid drops.
Lando Norris will also take a 10-place grid penalty with a change to the power unit control electronics in his McLaren. Lance Stroll will join them as well, having received a new MGU-K this weekend.
After the first practice session of the weekend, the Red Bull looks to be competitive on this track. Max Verstappen topped the time sheets with a 1:47.070. Hadjar only two tenths back from his teammate in P4.
READ MORE – Max Verstappen makes statement with top spot in FP1 at Spa
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