Verstappen hit with 5-place grid penalty after gearbox change

Max Verstappen has received a five-place grid penalty for the Belgian Grand Prix for exceeding the allowed 4 gearboxes a driver can use during the season.

The penalty will be implemented on Sunday’s race an will have no effect on the Sprint Race, taking place on Saturday.

🚨 MAX VERSTAPPEN WILL GET A 5 PLACE GRID PENALTY FOR THIS SUNDAY'S RACE!

He is taking a new gearbox!

[@ErikvHaren] #F1 #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/s8tTr7UW7M

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It means the reigning world champion will start from 6th position at best on a track, where he won in a dominant fashion from 14th on the grid last year.

The Dutchman is in a league of his own at the moment and is on a string of 7 consecutive wins, only two shy of the record set by Sebastian Vettel. He is leading the Championship with a commanding 110 points advantage.

Spa-Franchorchamps is well known for is overtaking opportunities, therefore it is no surprise that Red Bull and Verstappen have opted to do the change here, where the grid demotion is not so much of a penalty.