Six penalized! On the fast circuit in Belgium, the standings will be shuffled before the race

This year’s Formula 1 season is more than half over, and with that comes the recent penalties for running engine components over the limit. And in the Belgian Grand Prix, several shifts in the standings are on the agenda. The two best-placed men in the championship, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, will also move to the back of the grid.

They will be joined on the back row by Esteban Ocon, Valtteri Bottas, Mick Schumacher and Lando Norris. But they are all in the same situation in terms of positions lost, so they will all be in contention for 15th place in qualifying.

The biggest favourite to win it is the aforementioned Red Bull’s Verstappen, whose performances this season have been above average. In addition, the new power unit will bring acceleration as it does not have to be burdened with wear and tear.

Both Mercedes, on the other hand, will remain at the front of the field. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton are both waiting for their first win of the season, with the younger Englishman taking pole position in Hungary. The seven-time world champion has several podiums already this year, but a win eludes him.

Of the top two teams in the Constructors’ Cup, Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari and Sergio Pérez in the Red Bull will defend their colours at the front. It is the two teams that need to put in a good performance. Sainz in particular must defend his shrinking lead over Mercedes.

And in a similar situation is the hitherto lacklustre Daniel Ricciardo in the McLaren. He must do his best in Belgium to prevent the Alpine team from escaping. There’s a big battle for fourth place between these two teams.

The Belgian circuit offers an ideal overtaking opportunity thanks to the long straight after the Eau Rouge corner and in the third sector of the track. That’s why we can expect both Dutchman Verstappen and Monegasque Leclerc in the points at the end of the 44-lap race on Sunday afternoon.

Source