Belgian GP Blow: Norris, Stroll and Hadjar Penalised as FIA Confirms Grid Drops
The FIA has confirmed that three Formula 1 teams—Red Bull, McLaren and Aston Martin—will carry grid penalties into Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix after making power unit changes that exceed the season’s permitted allocation.
As thBelgian GP Blow:e Belgian Grand Prix weekend got underway at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, the FIA released its latest technical report detailing the power unit components fitted to each car. Among the drivers affected were McLaren’s Lando Norris, Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, all of whom received new engine elements ahead of the race weekend.
However, the additional components have pushed each driver beyond the maximum number allowed under Formula 1 regulations, automatically triggering grid penalties for Sunday’s main race.
Championship leader Lando Norris has been handed a 10-place grid penalty after McLaren introduced extra power unit components beyond his seasonal allocation. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll has also received a 10-place drop on the starting grid for the same reason, meaning both drivers will lose 10 positions from wherever they qualify on Saturday.
Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar faces an even tougher challenge. The French rookie will be required to start Sunday’s race from the very back of the grid regardless of his qualifying result after his team introduced multiple new power unit components, resulting in a larger penalty under FIA regulations.
According to the FIA, Hadjar’s RB22 has been fitted with a fresh internal combustion engine (ICE) along with other power unit changes that exceed the permitted limit. Because several key components were replaced simultaneously, the regulations require the Red Bull driver to begin the race from the rear of the field.
The Belgian Grand Prix has often been a venue where teams choose to take engine penalties due to Spa-Francorchamps’ long straights and multiple overtaking opportunities, giving drivers a better chance of recovering positions during the race. Nevertheless, the penalties could significantly impact the strategies of McLaren, Red Bull and Aston Martin as they look to maximize points from the weekend.
Qualifying will still determine the order at the front of the grid, but Norris and Stroll know they will each be pushed back by 10 places, while Hadjar’s starting position is already fixed at the rear. Sunday’s race will now present all three drivers with the difficult task of fighting through the field in one of Formula 1’s most demanding and unpredictable events.
