McLaren's Carlos Sainz has been forced out of the Belgian Grand Prix at the eleventh hour after an exhaust failure was discovered on the Spaniard's power unit following his lap to the grid.
The misfortune marks the second race at Spa in succession where Sainz has failed to start the event, having been unable to launch his car off the grid last year following a power unit issue.
A billow of smoke was seen at the rear of Sainz's McLaren as its driver circulated around the track to make his way to the grid.
Sainz had qualified 7th, but the late set-back means that his designated grid box box will remain empty when drivers line up for the start.
McLaren's fortunes at Spa now remain in the hands of Lando Norris who starts the race P10
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