Verstappen set for Belgian GP grid drop following engine change

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Max Verstappen's chances of conquering a fourth successive win in next weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix have been dealt a blow with the expectation that Red Bull will take a strategic engine penalty at Spa.

According to reports, Red Bull is set to add in Belgium a fifth Honda internal combustion engine to the Dutchman’s pool of hardware, which would put Verstappen beyond his authorized allowance and trigger a 10-place grid drop.

Verstappen’s hardware issues were on the margin since last month’s Canadian Grand Prix where the three-time world champion suffered a power unit failure.

The Red Bull charger is also on his final turbocharger, MGU-Hs and MGU-K units and control electronics and energy stores, which implies another grid penalty for the championship leader at some point down the road.

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Spa-Francorchamps has traditionally been a strategic venue for teams to take grid penalties with minimal repercussions given the many overtaking opportunities typically offered by the Belgian venue.

In 2022, Verstappen triumphed from 14th on the grid after suffering an engine related grid drop, while last year the Dutchman overhauled his rivals from sixth on the grid to cross the checkered flag first.

However, this season Red Bull and Verstappen are facing a very strong opposition from their direct rivals, with Mercedes defeating the bulls in Austria and at Silverstone, and McLaren’s enjoying a dominant 1-2 last weekend in Hungary.

Nevertheless, Red Bull is expecting a stronger display on Spa’s high-speed layout that will once again favour the RB20’s high velocity and aero efficiency.

Verstappen currently leads the Drivers’ standings from Lando Norris by 76 points, while Red Bull heads the Constructors’ championship by 51 points from McLaren.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.