Isack Hadjar handed Belgian GP grid penalty after Red Bull power unit change. Isack Hadjar will start Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid.

Isack Hadjar will start Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after Red Bull installed a completely new power unit in his car at Spa-Francorchamps. The penalty leaves the French driver facing a recovery drive as he attempts to return to the points-paying positions.

Formula 1 has not yet reached the halfway point of the season, but grid penalties are already beginning to accumulate as drivers exceed their permitted allocation of components, including batteries and power unit elements. The demands of Spa will place further emphasis on energy management, with the FIA tightening the energy rules for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix.

Isack Hadjar sent to the back of the Belgian GP grid

Lando Norris will receive a 10-place grid penalty in Belgium, while Isack Hadjar must start from the very back following the introduction of an entirely new power unit. The penalties add another strategic variable to a weekend already expected to test the teams and their new-generation Formula 1 machinery.

Isack Hadjar suffered several technical problems during the opening races of the season and has consequently reached the point at which another power unit change carries a grid penalty. The Red Bull driver will therefore need to work his way through the field on Sunday at a circuit where straight-line speed, energy deployment and aerodynamic efficiency are all crucial. Several teams have also brought updates to Belgium, as detailed in the latest technical analysis from the Spa pit lane.

Isack Hadjar ready to “have a lot of fun” at Spa

Despite the setback, Isack Hadjar has taken the penalty in his stride. “I’m going to have a lot of fun in the race on Sunday,” he told Canal+ ahead of what is set to be a comeback drive towards the points.

Isack Hadjar has established himself as a regular points contender in recent races, consistently finishing inside the top 10. His challenge at the Belgian Grand Prix will now be to use Red Bull’s pace and the overtaking opportunities offered by Spa-Francorchamps to recover as many positions as possible.