Bottas, Hulkenberg set for heavy grid drops at Spa

Valtteri Bottas and Nico Hulkenberg are both set to start the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend from the back of the field, according to Auto Motor und Sport. The duo will each take heavy engine penalties, having gone over the allocated amount allowed for the season.

Drivers are permitted to use 3 MGU-Hs, turbochargers and combustion engines and 2 MGU-Ks, control elections and energy stores throughout the entire season. Bottas is set to run with a new engine, turbocharger and MGU-H, pushing his allocation for the season to 4.

In Hulkenberg's case, it is believed that the German will run with a completely fresh power unit. With Spa being a power-dependant circuit, both Mercedes and Renault see the race as an opportunity to limit the damage of taking a heavy grid penalty.

Replies (5)

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  • f1dave

    Posts: 782

    So much for drivers standings.

    • + 0
    • Aug 23 2018 - 15:51
  • smh.... It begins and we're only half way through the season. Although the teams can only blame themselves for unanimously agreeing to this rules years ago. What the hell were they thinking...

    • + 0
    • Aug 23 2018 - 17:39
    • What are you talking about? Going with only 3 allocations is the bestest thing F1 ever did! Its such an amazing thing, AJPP! Really, really good move. Unbelievably good. And wanna know the best thing? It hasnt affected the racing In The Slightest. Not In The Slightest. And while Im at it: the token system was awesome. Dont know why they removed it, it wasnt token at all!

      • + 0
      • Aug 23 2018 - 18:49
  • Huh, and the first of the top drivers fall. Surprising to find that its a Mercedes. A surprise to be sure. BUt now is when we will start to see just how stupid the 3 part allocations are.

    • + 0
    • Aug 23 2018 - 18:47
  • blade

    Posts: 341

    Nothing crap about top cars fighting through the field - makes an otherwise dull race worth watching !!

    • + 0
    • Aug 23 2018 - 18:56

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  • Country Finland
  • Date of b. Aug 28 1989 (36)
  • Place of b. Nastola, Finland
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.73 m
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