Source -The sportsrush
At the Belgian Grand Prix, VCARB gave Yuki Tsunoda a new power unit; the extensive component revisions resulted in an eye-watering grid penalty.
At the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Max Verstappen of Red Bull was already slated for a grid drop. However, the FIA’s confirmation brought a much harsher reality for Yuki Tsunoda, the Red Bull junior team VCARB driver, revealing a staggering 60-place grid penalty.
While Verstappen received a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his season’s internal combustion engine allowance, Tsunoda’s penalty was far more severe due to multiple breaches related to his power unit. Tsunoda’s team opted for a complete overhaul of his power unit, installing a new internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-H, MGU-K, energy store, control electronics, and exhaust. Except for the exhaust, all these components exceeded the season limit, culminating in a 60-place grid drop.
This significant penalty means Tsunoda will start from the very back of the grid for the Belgian Grand Prix. VCARB’s sporting director, Alan Permane, confirmed the penalty, acknowledging the challenge it presents. However, the focus wasn’t solely on Tsunoda. Daniel Ricciardo, Tsunoda’s teammate, is also nearing the limit for all power unit components except the exhaust. Permane remained tight-lipped about Ricciardo’s situation, indicating that decisions would be made based on upcoming race developments.
VCARB enters the Belgian Grand Prix in sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship standings, closely trailing Aston Martin, with only a 36-point gap. As they aim to carry momentum into the summer break, Tsunoda’s penalty adds an extra layer of complexity to their strategy.
This situation underscores the strategic intricacies of Formula 1, where teams must balance performance upgrades with the stringent regulations that govern component usage. Despite the setback, Tsunoda and VCARB are set to tackle the challenge head-on, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability that defines the sport.
