Fernando Alonso faces a back-of-the-grid start at Spa after exceeding power unit allocations. He's not alone, as Lando Norris, Isack Hadjar, and Lance Stroll also receive grid penalties.
Fernando Alonso will start at the back of the grid for the Belgian Grand Prix due to a series of power unit changes in his Aston Martin. Before qualifying, Alonso's car received a new Energy Store, Control Electronics, and Ancillary Component, surpassing the season's limits. This grid penalty results from the cumulative 15-place penalty rule, which now sees him relegated to the back of the field.
Joining Alonso in the penalty parade are his Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll, McLaren's Lando Norris, and Red Bull's Isack Hadjar, all of whom have also made power unit changes.
For Aston Martin, these penalties may not significantly alter their race prospects, as the team is already anticipating better days with upcoming upgrades in Hungary.
As per F1 regulations, exceeding the allocation of any power unit component results in a 10-place grid drop on the first occasion, followed by a five-place drop for each subsequent breach. Alonso's penalty tally has tipped him over the 15-place threshold, meaning he will join the back of the pack, regardless.
So, while the Spa-Francorchamps circuit may be known for its thrilling overtaking opportunities, Alonso and his penalized peers will have their work cut out for them this Sunday, starting from the rear.