Carlos Sainz is the latest driver to be given a grid penalty for Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, having taken on new power unit elements after Qualifying.
Williams have fitted a new Energy Store and Control Electronics unit to Sainz’s Mercedes-powered car – exceeding his allocation for the season on the latter point.
As per the regulations, the first time the allocation of any one of the elements is exceeded, a 10-place grid penalty will be applied, with the second time this occurs (and so on) resulting in a five-place grid drop – all penalties at the same event applying in a cumulative manner.
If a driver incurs a penalty exceeding 15 grid places, they will be required to start the race at the back of the field regardless.
