Red Bull have officially confirmed that Isack Hadjar will start Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after the team made multiple changes to the power unit on his RB22 ahead of the Spa-Francorchamps weekend.
The French driver has exceeded the number of power unit components permitted under Formula 1 regulations, triggering a heavy grid penalty. Because several elements of the power unit have been replaced at the same time, Hadjar’s total penalty surpasses 15 places, meaning he will automatically line up at the rear of the starting grid regardless of where he qualifies.
Formula 1’s engine regulations are designed to limit the number of power unit components each driver can use over the course of a season. If a team introduces additional components beyond the allocated limit, penalties are applied. The first offence for a specific component normally results in a 10-place grid drop, while subsequent changes to that same component carry five-place penalties. When multiple penalties are combined and exceed the available grid positions, the driver is required to start from the back.
As a result, Hadjar’s starting position for Sunday’s race has effectively been decided before the opening practice session has even begun in the Ardennes.
Despite the setback, Spa-Francorchamps is widely regarded as one of the best circuits on the Formula 1 calendar for taking engine penalties. The legendary Belgian track features long straights and several overtaking opportunities, giving drivers a realistic chance of recovering through the field during the race.
Many teams strategically choose Spa for power unit changes because passing is generally much easier than at upcoming venues such as the Hungaroring and Zandvoort, where overtaking opportunities are far more limited. Starting from the back at Spa is therefore considered less damaging to a driver’s race prospects than serving the same penalty at tighter, more technical circuits.
Hadjar will not be the only driver facing a difficult weekend due to engine-related penalties. McLaren have also confirmed that championship contender Lando Norris will receive a 10-place grid drop after the team installed a new power unit control electronics (PU-CE) unit outside of his allocated pool.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll has also been handed a 10-place grid penalty after exceeding his permitted allocation of MGU-K components. Like Norris, the Canadian will have to fight back through the field during Sunday’s race.
With multiple drivers set to start lower than their qualifying positions, the Belgian Grand Prix could produce an unpredictable starting grid and create exciting opportunities for drivers looking to make significant progress during the race.
For Hadjar and Red Bull, the decision represents a calculated gamble. Although sacrificing track position is never ideal, introducing fresh power unit components at a circuit known for overtaking could provide a performance advantage over the remainder of the season, making the penalty a worthwhile long-term investment.
