During an F1 season, each driver is allowed to use 3 engines. If you change bikes more often, you will be penalized.
Due to his engine change for the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen is already on engine number 4 this season. Leclerc takes his 5th engine into service at Spa-Francorchamps.
In addition, Verstappen and Leclerc also change their gearbox.
It is no coincidence that the 2 great tenors opt for that penalty in the GP of Belgium. You can easily overtake on the circuit of Spa-Francorchamps.
Verstappen and Leclerc are not the only ones using a new engine. Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, Lando Norris and Mick Schumacher also have to start from the back.
Saturday’s qualifying determines which of them gets to start a little more forward.
