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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

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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.

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