Belgian Grand Prix: Four Drivers to Start from Pit Lane Due to Penalties and Setup Changes
In a significant development ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, four drivers will commence the race from the pit lane following a series of power unit penalties and mechanical adjustments. Carlos Sainz, who qualified 15th, stands out as the highest-placed driver affected by these changes. His adjustments to the Williams car necessitate a pit lane start instead of utilizing his grid position, despite advancing through Q2 on Saturday.
Joining Sainz are Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Antonelli, and Fernando Alonso, who secured 16th, 18th, and 19th places respectively in the qualifying session. All three drivers have opted for new power units, violating parc ferme regulations and compelling them to begin from the pit lane. This decision allows teams to utilize lower grid positions to expand their power unit allocations for the season.
As the pit lane lineup stands, Sainz will head the group of drivers starting from the pit lane, followed by Hamilton, Antonelli, and Alonso. Franco Colapinto has been promoted to 15th on the grid, with Lance Stroll moving up to 16th after struggling in qualifying.
Track conditions at Spa-Francorchamps have improved following a wet morning. A brief respite in rainfall has allowed for some drying before the race, though heavy showers are forecasted to return prior to the scheduled start at 15:00 local time (9:00 AM ET).
