Lando Norris faces a significant setback this weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix, as McLaren announced a 10-place grid penalty for the driver. The penalty comes after the team fitted Norris’s car with a fourth power electronics unit this season, exceeding the three-unit limit set by Formula One regulations.
Earlier in the season, Norris experienced issues with his first two power electronics units. Both failed under “terminal” conditions—first in China, where Norris was forced to withdraw before the race start, and later during free practice in Monaco.
In an official statement, McLaren explained: “Although the power electronics unit installed in Japan and used since Miami has been reliable, Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains has introduced new reliability enhancements. To benefit from these upgrades, Norris’s car must incorporate a new unit, resulting in a 10-place grid penalty.”
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McLaren strategically chose Belgium for the penalty, citing the circuit’s reputation for better overtaking opportunities compared to upcoming races in Hungary and Zandvoort. The team intends to use this fourth power electronics unit for the remainder of the season to improve reliability while limiting further sporting sanctions.
Currently fifth in the drivers' standings and trailing championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 82 points, Norris faces a challenging but critical phase in his campaign as he aims to maintain his championship contention.