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Hadjar handed grid penalty: set to start at the back at Spa-Francorchamps
F1 driver Isack Hadjar will be forced to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the back row following a change of power unit components.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-07-17T12:54:41.000Z - 1 min read
Isack Hadjar faces a challenging race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. The F1 driver has been condemned to a start from the back of the grid for the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix.
The sanction stems from exceeding the allowed quota of power unit components for the 2026 season. Ahead of the race at the legendary circuit, Hadjar has already taken his fifth internal combustion engine, turbocharger, and exhaust system.
The regulations permit a maximum of four of these specific components per year. Because the total grid drop penalty resulting from these violations exceeds fifteen places, the penalty is automatically converted into a back-of-the-grid start.
This means Hadjar faces an intensive recovery drive on Sunday. Taking a grid penalty so early in the weekend puts a driver under immediate pressure and renders scoring points considerably more difficult.