Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda are facing grid penalties at the Belgian Grand Prix after both drivers had to switch to new power units before the weekend. Verstappen from Red Bull Racing now has his fifth internal combustion engine (ICE), while Tsunoda from AlphaTauri also has his fifth ICE, turbocharger, MGU-H, and MGU-K, as well as his third energy store and third set of control electronics.
According to the rules of Formula 1, if a driver surpasses the allowed number of power unit elements, they will receive a grid place penalty at the next race. The first time this happens, a 10-place grid penalty is given, and a five-place grid drop is imposed for each subsequent violation. The penalties add up, and if a driver’s penalty exceeds 15 grid places, they will be forced to start the race from the back of the grid.
This means that Verstappen will receive a 10-place grid penalty, while Tsunoda will have to start Sunday’s race from the very back of the grid. The penalties will surely shake up the starting positions and add an extra element of excitement to the race.
In other news, there are ongoing speculations about Sergio Perez’s future with Red Bull Racing, and the upcoming race at Spa will be crucial as the team considers their driver line-ups. The performance of Perez in this race could potentially have a significant impact on his future with the team.
Formula 1 is a sport that requires precision and expertise not only from the drivers but also from the mechanics who keep the cars running smoothly weekend after weekend. The intricate details of how these mechanics maintain the F1 cars at the highest level of performance are truly fascinating and essential to the success of the team.
As fans eagerly await the Belgian Grand Prix and the unfolding of events on the track, the grid penalties for Verstappen and Tsunoda have added an extra layer of intrigue to the race. It will be interesting to see how these penalties affect the drivers’ performances and the overall outcome of the race. Stay tuned for more updates and coverage of the Belgian Grand Prix as the excitement builds towards the big race day.