ISACK HADJAR TO START BELGIAN GP FROM THE BACK
Isack Hadjar will start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after Red Bull introduced several new power unit components on his car. The penalty comes at Spa-Francorchamps, a circuit where teams often choose to take engine-related grid drops due to the many overtaking opportunities available.
The Belgian track’s long straights and slipstream opportunities make it easier for drivers to recover positions, giving Hadjar a chance to fight back during Sunday’s race.
Red Bull exceeded the permitted season allocation for three components on Hadjar’s car: the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Turbocharger and Exhaust system.
According to Formula 1 regulations, the first time a driver exceeds the limit for a component, they receive a 10-place grid penalty. Further violations add five-place penalties, and if the total exceeds 15 positions, the driver must start from the back of the grid.
Hadjar, who currently sits eighth in the championship with 52 points, will therefore need a strong recovery drive at Spa. The Frenchman has shown impressive speed this season, but the penalty adds another challenge as he looks to continue scoring points.
Other drivers will also face penalties in Belgium, with McLaren’s Lando Norris receiving a 10-place grid drop for exceeding his Control Electronics allocation, while Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll will take the same penalty after using an additional MGU-K component.
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