Verstappen hit with grid penalty for the Belgian Grand Prix

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen will receive a five-place grid penalty for the Belgian Grand Prix after Red Bull decided to install a new gearbox into his RB19 ahead of the opening practice session at Spa.

Over the course of the 2023 F1 season, drivers have to get around with an allocation of four gearbox cassettes and internals. These units build up the 'pool' that can be swapped around during the season.

When a driver exceeds his allocation of either of the gearbox components, he receives a five-place grid penalty for each new component.

Despite emerging as the championship runaway leader early in the current season, Verstappen has had reliability issues with his gearbox and has already added all his permitted gearbox cassettes and internals into his pool.

It has now emerged that Verstappen will exceed his allowance at this weekend's Spa F1 race, meaning that he will be hit with a five-place grid drop for Sunday’s F1 Belgian Grand Prix.

However, it will not be a new situation for the double world champion as he started last year's Belgian Grand Prix from the 14th spot on the grid after exceeding his quota of power unit elements. Displaying an eye-catching performance advantage from his rivals, Verstappen managed to climb up the field and lead the race by lap 12 and went on to win the Belgian F1 race.