Belgian GP: Four drivers already on penalties – when will it be Kimi Antonelli’s turn?

Penalty grid positions are raining down at the Belgian Grand Prix weekend. Four drivers have already been handed grid penalties for fitting new engine components, and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff knows that, sooner or later, it will be the turn of championship leader Kimi Antonelli.

But first things first: French Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar has received three components for his power unit that exceed the quota permitted for 2026 – specifically, a new internal combustion engine, a new turbocharger and a new exhaust. This results in a grid penalty of three times ten places, i.e. 30 places.

For this reason, the Parisian must start the race from 22nd on the grid, though it is entirely conceivable that Red Bull Racing will overhaul the set-up after qualifying, in which case Hadjar will start from the pit lane. He has nothing to lose anyway.

A fourth battery had to be fitted to Lando Norris’s McLaren, resulting in a ten-place grid penalty. In qualifying, the 2025 World Champion secured P3, which effectively means 12th on the grid, as Isack Hadjar must drop all the way to the back of the field.

The Honda engine in Canadian Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin has been fitted with a new generator for the electrical system, so he’s also been demoted by ten places.

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FIA Formula One World Championship

19.07.2026 - 13:15

Superstar Fernando Alonso’s second Aston Martin required a new control unit and a new battery, resulting in a penalty of two times ten places.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is concerned: “We’ve already fitted the third engine into Kimi Antonelli and George Russell’s cars; it’s clear to us that we’re vulnerable in this respect.”

And then the race stewards are taking a closer look at an incident involving Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen, when the Spaniard nearly crashed into Verstappen’s car under double yellow flags following Hamilton’s crash in the third practice session. The Madrid-born driver will have to explain why he didn’t brake hard enough, despite clear flag signals.

Verstappen on the radio: “What the hell! My God. There are double yellow flags out, and he nearly crashes into the back of me – unbelievable.”

The race stewards usually show no leniency for such offences, which can quickly result in a three-place grid penalty.

The final starting grid is published one hour before the start of the race.