Verstappen travels to Spa without this issue for the first time since 2021

10:25, 24 Jul
Updated: 11:01, 24 Jul
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Co-author:Olly Darcy
Max Verstappen has had two very difficult Grands Prix behind him, and he now comes to the Belgian Grand Prix and the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, a track where the Dutchman performs well. Along with that, there is a significant boost for Verstappen this year.

Verstappen without a grid penalty for the first time since 2021

Coming into the third sprint race weekend of the season, it will be the first time since 2021 that Verstappen will not receive a planned grid penalty at Spa-Francorchamps. Although the circuit in the Belgian Ardennes is a good track for overtaking, this year the Dutchman can't afford a grid penalty with his troublesome RB21.
In 2021, it was the last time that Verstappen did not receive a grid penalty in Belgium, turning out to be an excellent choice by Red Bull Racing at the time as the Grand Prix was run behind the safety car due to torrential rain.
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Max Verstappen has taken three wins at the Belgian Grand Prix, winning in 2021, 2022 and 2023 | Red Bull Contentpool
In 2022, the Dutchman won from a spectacular fourteenth place. Verstappen also managed to come back from a grid penalty and win the Grand Prix in 2023. In 2024, he failed to do so, finishing fourth.
Before his dismissal, Christian Horner spoke in Silverstone to, among others, GPblog about this windfall for the Belgian Grand Prix. "We won't be taking any engine penalties, which will be the first time in quite a few years," said the former team boss.
The media present at the time joked about the changing weather conditions in Spa-Francorchamps. "No, it never rains," Horner said sarcastically. In Silverstone, the rain caused a lot of problems for Red Bull.
"We will see," the Brit continued on a more serious note. "Spa is a great track, and I feel that Kuck hasn't been with us the last couple of weeks, but that stuff always evens itself out."
It is, of course, not to be ruled out that Verstappen will not have to incur a grid penalty in Belgium. It could happen that due to a penalty during a session or a severe crash, the Dutchman will have to start from a few places further back. However, this year, there is no planned grid penalty for Verstappen.