Lando Norris will start the Belgian Grand Prix 10 places lower on the grid after McLaren elected to fit a fourth power electronics unit, exceeding Formula 1’s seasonal allocation in a move aimed at improving reliability for the remainder of the campaign.
The decision allows Norris to use the latest Mercedes power electronics specification, which incorporates reliability upgrades introduced after a series of failures earlier this season. McLaren opted to take the penalty at Spa-Francorchamps, where overtaking opportunities are considered better than at several upcoming circuits.
The team believes Belgium is the most strategic venue to absorb the setback, with the Hungarian Grand Prix expected to suit its car more effectively after a major aerodynamic upgrade arrives. Passing is also significantly more difficult in Hungary, making a grid penalty there far more costly.
McLaren has slipped behind its three main rivals in recent races as competitors introduced performance updates. In response, the team plans to roll out two significant upgrade packages across the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix, either side of Formula 1’s summer break, in an effort to regain competitiveness.
Norris remains optimistic despite the penalty, saying Spa’s long straights and strong slipstream effect should provide opportunities to move through the field, even if overtaking is not expected to be straightforward.
The component replaced this weekend is the power electronics unit, the control computer within the battery system. Norris’ season has already been affected by reliability problems involving the same part.
He was unable to start the Chinese Grand Prix after a terminal failure of the power electronics, while a replacement introduced in Japan later developed issues during practice. Although repaired, that unit eventually suffered another terminal fault during practice in Monaco.
McLaren said the power electronics used since the Miami Grand Prix had operated reliably, but newer versions supplied by Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains include additional durability improvements. The team expects this fourth unit to remain in service for the rest of the season, reducing the likelihood of further penalties.
Alongside the engine-related changes, McLaren has introduced a new rear wing for Spa. Unlike the rotating rear-wing concepts used by Ferrari and Red Bull this season, McLaren’s design features a conventional DRS opening mechanism tailored to the high-speed demands of the Belgian circuit.
Meanwhile, Red Bull has abandoned its experimental rear wing this weekend after technical issues contributed to Max Verstappen’s high-speed crashes in Austria and Britain.
Mercedes is also continuing to monitor reliability concerns elsewhere. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli has received a fresh engine for the Belgian Grand Prix after the unit used at Silverstone was sent to Mercedes’ Brixworth facility for detailed inspection. Because the replacement falls within his permitted allocation, Antonelli avoids a grid penalty, and Mercedes hopes the Silverstone engine can return to the pool later this season if no major fault is found.