By Joe Murphy
As is becoming tradition, Max Verstappen is set to take a 10 place grid penalty at Spa this weekend, for taking an extra engine above the allowed number.
Verstappen had been on the cusp of a grid penalty for a while after losing a power unit in practice for June’s Canadian Grand Prix. After a poor outing in Hungary last time out, this is the last thing the World Champion needs. Although taking here at least means overtakes are more at a premium than some of the other upcoming venues.
After Canada earlier in the year, Red Bull had to introduce the Dutchman’s fourth Honda power unit in Spain, the maximum number allowed per year, with over half the season left to run.
The Belgian Grand Prix being held yet again at Spa-Francorchamps, where overtaking is less difficult than at most other venues, has historically been a prime opportunity to take grid penalties with minimal consequences. As Verstappen knows all too well.
Two years ago, Verstappen won the race from 14th on the grid as one of eight drivers to take engine-related grid drops, and last year the world champion also overcame an engine penalty to win from sixth. This time he won’t have it so easy, with McLaren expected to be the fastest pair around this track. Even more scrutiny will be placed on the shoulders of Sergio Perez to carry the team with Verstappen’s penalty. Red Bull are going to need to Mexican to avoid McLaren closing the gap by a considerable margin, this weekend.
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