A total of six drivers - Verstappen, Leclerc, Lando Norris, Esteban Ocon, Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher - will take grid pena💙lties for Sunday’s grand prix after exceeding their power unit allocationsꦗ. 

The changes were confirmed ൩by the FIA as the cars took to 💖the track for first practice in Belgium. 

Ferrari have opted to change power unit components on Leclerc’s car in order to introduce a new hybrid upgrade, and selected Spa-Francorchamps due toꦛ its layout and overtaking possibilities. 

It marks the second back-of-the-grid start this season for Leclerc, who suffered engine failures while leading in Spain and Baku. The 🐼Monegasque was also ꩵforced to start from the back in Canada, where he recovered to fifth. 

𝓰Meanwhile, it is the first engine-re♌lated grid penalty of the year for Verstappen. 

The final starting positions will be determined by the results of qualifying on Saturday 🅘afternoon. 

Verstappen goes into the weekend ho♏lding an 80-point championship ▨lead over Leclerc. 

With one Red Bull and Ferrari car consigned to start towards the back, Mercedes could have their best chance of claimi🎃ng their 💖first win of the year. 

Neither Lewis Hamilton or George Russell have been able to compete for victories amid a difficult start to the season, but Mercedes’ improvements have helped them cut the deficit to their rivals at r🐻ecent races.