Lando Norris, McLaren driver, will face a 10-place grid penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix after his team decided to install new Formula 1 engine components from Mercedes.
The decision comes after a series of reliability issues that Norris has suffered this season, which already led him to consume a third set of electronic components to make quick decisions to avoid further penalties.
McLaren has revealed that, with the Mercedes upgrade, it is necessary to install additional components in Norris’s vehicle to improve reliability and optimize his competition options. The British driver’s MCL40 will use a fourth set of electronics, which will result in a grid penalty.
Furthermore, the team has decided that this change will be made at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, as it is considered that the overtaking opportunities are relatively good on this track, which could help mitigate the impact of his grid position.
The team director has highlighted that, although the previously installed unit has worked well, recent improvements in the Mercedes system offer an opportunity to increase reliability for the rest of the season. The new unit will be used for the upcoming races, with the aim of minimizing future sporting penalties.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
