The two-time world champion Max Verstappen is all set to enter the Belgian Grand Prix with victories in nine of the 11 races under his name so far this season. His attempt to win eight straight races was interrupted this weekend. As for this week’s race at Spa, which is due to take place on Sunday, the Formula One title leader has been given a five-place grid penalty.
Verstappen has qualified for P1, but due to a gearbox penalty, he’ll be starting from P6. Last time, despite starting from 14th on the grid, Mad Max won the Belgian Grand Prix. So it will be fun to see what he makes out of the grid penalty this time.
What is a gearbox penalty? Explained
When a Formula 1 driver violates engine regulations, he may receive a grid penalty. If you receive a grid penalty, you must start the race from a lower position on the starting grid. Because it results from violating engine restrictions, the fine is often known as an engine penalty. The same math applies to gearbox penalties too.
The starting line-up for Sunday! 👀
Max Verstappen qualified fastest, but a gearbox change means he takes a five-place grid penalty and starts from P6
Kevin Magnussen has received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Charles Leclerc during qualifying#BelgianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/v3m7QVSfFe
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 28, 2023
According to the Formula 1 rule book, drivers are limited in terms of how many restricted-number components (RNCs) they can use during a season. And a gearbox comes under this RNC rule. Four gearboxes are available to drivers and can be switched out throughout the season. A driver only incurs a grid penalty when they use more gearbox parts than what is allotted to them. A five-place grid penalty will be given for the first violation of exceeding either component’s allotment, and the same penalty will be repeated for such violations.
Max Verstappen facing a five-place grid penalty for exceeding gearbox allowance
Verstappen is the first driver this year to need a fifth gearbox assembly. The Dutch driver’s incredible run of seven victories has helped him to a 110-point championship lead, and despite this penalty, Max Verstappen will be looking at the Belgian Grand Prix to provide him the chance to increase his already massive lead.
The Red Bull driver has been given this penalty for this Sunday’s Belgian GP as he will exceed the number of gearbox changes this weekend.
Max qualified for P1, followed by Charles and Sergio in P2 and P3, respectively. The penalty will kick in motion on Sunday, when Max will drop 5 places, now making it a P6 start. Charles has been bumped up to Pole. It’s his second time on the pole this season.
One shouldn’t count Max out of the podium finishes due to the setback, as last year at Spa, due to multiple engine penalties, he was forced to start from p14 but still went on to win the race.
What is your take on this? Who will win the Belgian GP? Let us know your prediction on the race down in the comments.
