close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
Charles Leclerc after his crash in France

Leclerc facing back-of-the-grid start - Verstappen to join him?

Charles Leclerc after his crash in France — Photo: © LAT Images

Leclerc facing back-of-the-grid start - Verstappen to join him?

Punishment will be Leclerc's second of the season

Charles Leclerc will start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after taking a new power unit.

Leclerc heads into the race with an 80-point deficit to F1 title rival Max Verstappen, with this latest PU change seemingly representing another bitter blow to his championship hopes.

The rumour, however, is that Red Bull is also due to change the PU in Verstappen's RB18, leading to potentially a remarkable back row for the race at Spa-Francorchamps.

The circuit is an obvious choice to take a power unit hit given it affords numerous overtaking opportunities, ensuring Leclerc and Verstappen should secure strong points, particularly with Sunday's race due to be run in dry conditions.

Leclerc's F1-75 will take on Ferrari's new hybrid system that runs for the first time this weekend. Formal confirmation is expected from the FIA.

Team-mate Carlos Sainz, who has fallen 102 points behind Verstappen, will continue to use the older but fresher PU.

Should Verstappen join Leclerc at the back of the grid, it would afford Mercedes a strong chance to finally win its first race of the season.

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Kimi Antonelli blown away by Lewis Hamilton response

Kimi Antonelli blown away by Lewis Hamilton response

  • 1 hour ago
Max Verstappen entourage unleashes savage dig at F1 ahead of Japanese Grand Prix

Max Verstappen entourage unleashes savage dig at F1 ahead of Japanese Grand Prix

  • 2 hours ago
F1 2026 WAGs: Lewis Hamilton latest, Charles Leclerc married and a baby for Alonso

F1 2026 WAGs: Lewis Hamilton latest, Charles Leclerc married and a baby for Alonso

  • 3 hours ago
F1 team finally unveil Godzilla livery and it's AMAZING

F1 team finally unveil Godzilla livery and it's AMAZING

  • 3 hours ago
Aston Martin issue statement as Fernando Alonso absent at Japanese GP

Aston Martin issue statement as Fernando Alonso absent at Japanese GP

  • Today 10:17
BMW launch cheeky bid to sign Max Verstappen after Mercedes success

BMW launch cheeky bid to sign Max Verstappen after Mercedes success

  • Today 09:43

Just in

14:27
Kimi Antonelli blown away by Lewis Hamilton response
12:55
Max Verstappen entourage unleashes savage dig at F1 ahead of Japanese Grand Prix
12:00
F1 2026 WAGs: Lewis Hamilton latest, Charles Leclerc married and a baby for Alonso
11:56
F1 team finally unveil Godzilla livery and it's AMAZING
10:17
Aston Martin issue statement as Fernando Alonso absent at Japanese GP
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

Kimi Antonelli blown away by Lewis Hamilton response Latest F1 News

Kimi Antonelli blown away by Lewis Hamilton response

1 hour ago
F1 team finally unveil Godzilla livery and it's AMAZING Latest F1 News

F1 team finally unveil Godzilla livery and it's AMAZING

3 hours ago
Aston Martin issue statement as Fernando Alonso absent at Japanese GP Latest F1 News

Aston Martin issue statement as Fernando Alonso absent at Japanese GP

Today 10:17
Mercedes bid to buy Alpine could be stopped by F1 rivals and the FIA Mercedes

Mercedes bid to buy Alpine could be stopped by F1 rivals and the FIA

Today 08:59
Ontdek het op Google Play
x