NEW DELHI: Red Bull's dominant Formula One championship leader, Max Verstappen, will face a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix after the team decided to make a gearbox change. This means that he will have to start five places lower on the grid than his qualifying position.
The team confirmed the penalty ahead of Friday's practice session at Spa-Francorchamps. Verstappen's car will be equipped with his fifth gearbox of the season, exceeding the permitted limit without incurring a penalty.
However, despite the grid penalty, Verstappen remains optimistic and unfazed. He has a strong track record at Spa-Francorchamps, which is one of his favorite circuits, known for providing ample overtaking opportunities.
Last year, he managed to win the race after starting from 14th place on the grid due to engine-related penalties.
Currently, Red Bull is in a dominant position, heading towards a record-extending 13th consecutive victory and the 12th win of the season. If they achieve this, they will become the first team in Formula One history to achieve such a remarkable streak in a single campaign.
Verstappen himself is in top form, having won the last seven races, and he is aiming to secure his 10th victory out of 12 races this season. With his impressive performance, he holds a substantial lead of 110 points over his Mexican teammate Sergio Perez.
Despite the grid penalty, Verstappen's form and the overall strength of the Red Bull team suggest that he remains a formidable contender in the championship battle.
"Even if they started last in every race, they’re going to come through, no matter if there's the DRS (drag reduction) or not," McLaren's Lando Norris told reporters on Thursday.
The Belgian Grand Prix is a sprint event this year, with qualifying for Sunday's race later on Friday.
The grid penalty will not apply to Saturday's standalone sprint.
(With Reuters inputs)
