Max Verstappen all-set to take 10-place grid drop for Belgian GP amidst lackluster F1 run

Max Verstappen has been winless since the Spanish Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen all-set to take 10-place grid drop for Belgian GP amidst lackluster F1 run

Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has not been his true dominant self on track this season, despite winning on seven occasions. Verstappen leads the championship by 76 points and is eyeing a fourth consecutive title triumph this year.

The Milton-Keynes-based team has struggled against the likes of McLaren, who has been the fastest out of the lot this season. In an attempt to match the pace of the Papayas, Red Bull has made sizeable changes to their car, which require penalties to be served.

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Max Verstappen is therefore set to serve a 10-place grid penalty for the Belgian Grand Prix. As per Racingnews365, Verstappen will use a new internal combustion engine (ICE) for the race, which is his fifth for the season.

The three-time world champion’s chances at Spa take a major hit as a result of the penalty. He will now try to utilize the overtaking opportunities around the 7.004 km circuit to minimize his deficits during the race.

Max Verstappen will discontinue pre-race late-night sim racing

Max Verstappen was criticized for racing late-night before his poor 70-lap outing in Budapest. Red Bull Technical Advisor Helmut Marko has spoken about the team’s stance on the Dutchman’s antics after the race.

Max Verstappen, elmut Marko and Christian Horner
Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko and Christian Horner (Via: Imago)
His late-night sim race on the Hungary weekend only happened because a driver in his team had dropped out. Nevertheless, we have agreed that he will no longer drive sims so late in the future.
Helmut Marko said via SpeedWeek

Helmut Marko clarified that Verstappen was compelled to sim race because of a certain driver dropping out from this team. Marko also stated that sim races are not the reason for the 26-year-old’s poor runs, as he prioritizes his rest sufficiently.

Red Bull dropped vital points in Hungary despite new upgrades and will be keen to work out their issues ahead of Spa. The Belgian Grand Prix will be a crucial one for the Austrian outfit as they look to extend their lead before the summer break.

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