Lando Norris dealt massive blow ahead of Belgian Grand Prix

Lando Norris dealt massive blow ahead of Belgian Grand Prix

Lando Norris will have a 10-place grid penalty at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix after McLaren exceeded the permitted allocation of engine components. The reigning world champion's McLaren is being equipped with a fresh battery unit, his fourth of the campaign, surpassing the maximum three allowed under Formula 1 regulations. McLaren opted to install the new component alongside the most recent Mercedes power unit specification, as Norris's previous engine lacked reliability improvements implemented following multiple failures throughout the season. The Woking-based outfit, which secured both the drivers' and constructors' titles last year, has endured a challenging 2026 campaign marked by performance struggles and mechanical problems. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The team selected the Spa-Francorchamps circuit for this penalty due to the opportunities to overtake. McLaren slipped behind their leading rivals in recent rounds as competitors rolled out improvements. The outfit anticipates their new developments across the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix – scheduled on either side of the summer break – will restore their competitive edge. Taking the grid drop in Belgium rather than Hungary made tactical sense, as the team expects performance levels similar to the recent British Grand Prix, with far better passing opportunities than at the notoriously difficult Hungaroring, where their upgraded car should perform more strongly. LATEST SPORTS NEWS Thomas Tuchel gives update on England future after heartbreaking World Cup defeat to Argentina Golfing star mimics Enzo Fernandez's celebration against England at The Open BBC pundit told his dad had died moments before going on air for England's World Cup defeat Commenting on the penalty, Norris said: "I have to wait and see really how the overtaking is. "We probably have a small straight-line speed advantage, comparing to people a little bit further back. So comparing to them we should have a good chanc