Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were two of the six drivers to receive an engine fine at the Belgian GP; The best title opponents can hope for in the net is likely to be 16th place; Watch the full Belgian GP weekend live on Sky Sports, with the race on Sunday at 2pm
Last Updated: Aug 26, 22 1:50 pm
Formula 1 title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc are both set to kick off the Belgian Grand Prix favorably after suffering a substantial engine penalty in their first race after the summer break.
Verstappen and Leclerc have both used many new components on their Power Units, beyond what is allowed in the F1 rules and will be subject to the grid’s restart event at Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday .
Lando Norris, Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Ocon have taken similar penalties and will also be behind, meaning Verstappen and Leclerc will likely battle for 16th and 17th places on the grid in qualifying.
Haas driver Mick Schumacher was fined 10 points for changing some components.
The changes were confirmed by the FIA on Friday during the first practice, although more penalties could be confirmed.
With Verstappen and Leclerc, the doors of the Belgian GP were wide open for their Red Bull and Ferrari teammates, Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz, while Mercedes could also feature for their first win of the season.
Mercedes entered the summer break in August after consecutive doubles and Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have spoken out about the chance to play Red Bull and Ferrari leaders more often.
The entire weekend is live and exclusive on Sky Sports F1.
