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OFFICIAL: Verstappen gets a new engine and incurs hefty grid penalty
- Ludo van Denderen
In the run-up to the Belgian Grand Prix, it was already fairly clear, although Max Verstappen still kept it somewhat of a secret. Most likely, the Red Bull Racing driver told us, he would have a new fifth power unit at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Meanwhile, all doubts about that have been removed. Formula 1 has just announced that Verstappen will get a new internal combustion engine.
As this puts Verstappen over the permitted limit of four, he automatically receives a grid penalty. That means Verstappen has to move back ten places for Sunday's Grand Prix. Incidentally, the Dutchman also received a new engine during the previous two editions of this Grand Prix, also resulting in a grid penalty. Nevertheless, Verstappen managed to win those races each time.
Verstappen does not assume victory after grid penalty
Given the current balance of power in Formula 1, Verstappen does not assume he can repeat this feat in 2024. "If you look at our last few races, in those we were not exactly the fastest. So I wouldn't say that with ten-place penalties, we have a chance of winning," the world champion told reporters on Thursday, speaking to GPblog and others.
During the media day, the journalists present speculated what a positive result for Verstappen would be. Verstappen was asked if that was place eight. "I'm hoping for a bit more, but we'll see. I don't know, hard to predict at the moment," said the world champion.
Verstappen gets a fifth combustion engine, which will take him over the limit for the first time. This is the only part that Verstappen replaces for which he will receive a penalty and so Verstappen will probably not start from the very back. This does not apply to Yuki Tsunoda, who, as previously reported, also replaces the turbo charger, MGU-H, MGU-K, energy store and control electronics.