Carlos Sainz has been hit with a 10-place grid penalty just hours before the start of the Belgian Grand Prix, after the FIA confirmed changes to his engine components. The penalty, announced on Sunday morning, adds to a growing list of drivers facing grid drops at Spa-Francorchamps as teams take advantage of the circuit's overtaking opportunities to introduce new parts beyond the annual allowance.
Multiple Drivers Hit With Penalties
McLaren had already confirmed days ago that Lando Norris would serve a 10-place grid drop for taking new control electronics. Norris qualified an impressive third, meaning he will start from 13th on the grid. Aston Martin also gave both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll new engine parts, though Alonso qualified 21st and Stroll 22nd, so the penalties have little impact. In fact, Stroll actually rises in the order because Isack Hadjar is serving cumulative penalties that put him at the very back of the grid.
Sainz's Penalty Details
According to the FIA, Sainz's penalty stems from a new energy store and control electronics fitted to his car. The energy store is within his annual allowance, but the control electronics are his fourth set of the season, exceeding the three allowed per car. As it is the first time he has exceeded the allowance for that component, the penalty is an automatic 10-place grid drop. Williams stated the changes were necessary after an issue was discovered in his battery pack on Sunday morning, prompting the team to introduce new parts as a precaution.
Sainz had out-qualified his teammate Alex Albon and reached Q2, but will now start behind Albon due to the penalty. The Belgian Grand Prix is scheduled to start at 15:00 local time.
