Hadjar to start Belgian Grand Prix from the back after Red Bull power unit change

Isack Hadjar will start Sunday's Formula One Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after Red Bull fitted his RB22 with multiple new power unit components that exceed his season allocation.

The French driver has received a new internal combustion engine (ICE), turbocharger (TC), exhaust set and power unit ancillary component ahead of the Spa-Francorchamps weekend.

While the ancillary component remains within the permitted allocation, the new ICE, turbocharger and exhaust all exceed the maximum number allowed under the 2026 Formula One Sporting Regulations, triggering a back-of-the-grid penalty.

The decision had been widely anticipated, with Hadjar confirming before the weekend that Red Bull planned to take the penalty at Spa, a circuit renowned for its overtaking opportunities.

"The goal will be to focus on race pace," Hadjar told Canal+. "We know that it will be less focused on performance in qualifying. We will probably start in 22nd [position].

>"But this is a circuit where it is possible to overtake. Many things can happen. We have a good pace, so I hope to have a lot of fun on Sunday."

Red Bull's decision follows a difficult first half of the season for Hadjar, whose reliability has repeatedly been compromised by power unit problems. The Frenchman retired from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix after suffering a power unit failure and endured further engine-related issues during the Monaco Grand Prix.

Rather than risking additional reliability concerns during the remainder of the campaign, Red Bull has elected to introduce a fresh set of major power unit components at a venue where recovering positions is considered more achievable than at many other circuits on the calendar.

Although the penalty effectively rules Hadjar out of contention for a strong qualifying result, the high-speed nature of Spa-Francorchamps, combined with its long straights and multiple overtaking zones, offers one of the best opportunities of the season to recover through the field.