Belgian Grand Prix

Leclerc facing back-of-the-grid start - Verstappen to join him?

Ian Parkes Friday 26 August 2022 14:47

Leclerc facing back-of-the-grid start - Verstappen to join him?

Charles Leclerc will start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after taking a new power unit.

Leclerc heads into the race with an 80-point deficit to F1 title rival Max Verstappen, with this latest PU change seemingly representing another bitter blow to his championship hopes.

The rumour, however, is that Red Bull is also due to change the PU in Verstappen's RB18, leading to potentially a remarkable back row for the race at Spa-Francorchamps.

The circuit is an obvious choice to take a power unit hit given it affords numerous overtaking opportunities, ensuring Leclerc and Verstappen should secure strong points, particularly with Sunday's race due to be run in dry conditions.

Leclerc's F1-75 will take on Ferrari's new hybrid system that runs for the first time this weekend. Formal confirmation is expected from the FIA.

Team-mate Carlos Sainz, who has fallen 102 points behind Verstappen, will continue to use the older but fresher PU.

Should Verstappen join Leclerc at the back of the grid, it would afford Mercedes a strong chance to finally win its first race of the season.

Latest News

Las Vegas Grand Prix

Late FIA change revealed at Las Vegas Grand Prix

4 minutes ago

F1 Today

F1 News Today: Red Bull boss delivers DAMNING Perez statement as star confirms 2025 switch

34 minutes ago

Las Vegas Grand Prix

F1 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix starting grid with penalties applied

1 hour ago

Las Vegas Grand Prix

F1 team issue health UPDATE on driver at risk of missing Las Vegas Grand Prix

3 hours ago

GPFans Recap

Ricciardo makes Vegas comeback as team boss delivers signing bombshell - GPFans F1 Recap

Yesterday 23:58

F1 Social

F1 fans uncover GENIUS way to watch Las Vegas Grand Prix for FREE

Yesterday 22:58

More news

F1 Race Calendar 2024

GP AUSTRIA 28 - 30 Jun

George Russell

GP GREAT BRITAIN 5 - 7 Jul

Lewis Hamilton

GP HUNGARY 19 - 21 Jul

Oscar Piastri

GP BELGIUM 26 - 28 Jul

Lewis Hamilton

GP NETHERLANDS 23 - 25 Aug

Lando Norris

GP ITALY 30 Aug - 1 Sep

Charles Leclerc

GP AZERBAIJAN 13 - 15 Sep

Oscar Piastri

GP SINGAPORE 20 - 22 Sep

Lando Norris

GP USA 18 - 20 Oct

Charles Leclerc

GP MEXICO 25 - 27 Oct

GP QATAR 29 Nov - 1 Dec

GP ABU DHABI 6 - 8 Dec

Complete kalender 2024

F1 News 24/7

Races

About GPFans

GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.

We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.

With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.

Follow us on your favorite social media channel

Corporate & Media

Innovatieweg 20C
7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

Leclerc facing back-of-the-grid start - Verstappen to join him?

Leclerc facing back-of-the-grid start - Verstappen to join him?