Isack Hadjar's remarkable run of consistency is set to face its toughest test yet at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.
The Red Bull driver will start Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after exceeding his seasonal allocation of power unit components, forcing him into an uphill battle if he is to extend his impressive streak of results.
Hadjar has taken a fifth internal combustion engine, turbocharger and exhaust system this season, moving beyond the permitted limit of four. As the cumulative grid penalties exceed 15 places, the Frenchman will automatically start from the rear of the 22-car field.
The setback comes just as Hadjar has established himself as one of Formula 1's standout performers, having secured five consecutive top-six finishes since the Canadian Grand Prix.
Hadjar ready to embrace the challenge
Even before the official confirmation of his penalty, Hadjar acknowledged that his remarkable run was likely to come under serious threat this weekend.
"This weekend, I think another top-six finish is going to be difficult given where I'm starting from, but we'll give it a go," Hadjar told France’s Canal+. "The main focus will be on race pace. It won't be as much about qualifying performance, because we already know what to expect."
Despite the daunting task ahead, the Frenchman remains optimistic that Spa's long straights and overtaking opportunities could allow him to recover significant ground during the race.
"We'll probably start 22nd on the grid, but Spa is a track where you can overtake. A lot can happen, and we know we've got decent race pace. So I'm expecting to have some fun on Sunday."
Hadjar will not be the only driver carrying a grid penalty into Sunday's race. Reigning world champion Lando Norris will step back ten places from where he qualifies after exceeding his battery allocation, while Aston Martin's Lance Stroll has been penalized following the installation of a new MGU-K.
Meanwhile, Hadjar's Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen has also received fresh power unit elements, including a new V6 engine, turbocharger and exhaust.
However, because the Dutchman remained comfortably within his seasonal allocation before the change, he avoids any grid penalty.
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