Potential grid penalties for Verstappen in Belgium

Red Bull's Max Verstappen could be facing a severe grid penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, with the Dutchman's MGU-K unit breaking down in Hungary during the race.

Daniel Ricciardo could also be set for a penalty, but the Aussie came through the Hungary weekend relatively unscathed so he could be fine.

Red Bull's goal is to reach the Italian Grand Prix and change up all the engine parts there, in order for them to only be penalized once. That would also be the time to introduce the new 'C-spec' Renault engine, which should give the Bulls a nice boost in performance. Renault also claim to have improved reliability on the new spec, but that's something we'll have to see before we believe it.

Verstappen will be in trouble at his pseudo-home race though, with his MGU-K being fried in Hungary. It's not been reported whether the unit will be able to be used again or if Red Bull could bolt on a used one. If this is not the case, and Verstappen will in fact need a new one, he'll get penalized ten places. Should that be the case, chances are Red Bull will use the occasion to immediately give Verstappen the new Renault engine as well, instead of waiting for Italy.