P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen will take a grid penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend after being fitted with his fifth internal combustion engine of the season.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes it would be a mistake to underestimate Max Verstappen’s chances of winning the Belgian Grand Prix, despite his grid penalty. Verstappen’s fifth engine change of the season resulted in a 10-place drop on the starting grid, positioning him no higher than 11th place for Sunday’s race. Despite this setback, Brown sees Verstappen as a strong contender for victory, especially given his impressive performance in practice sessions. McLaren, currently trailing Red Bull by 51 points in the constructors’ championship, aims to capitalize on opportunities to close the gap and is eyeing its first F1 title since 2008. Brown highlighted the team’s strategy to take advantage of Sergio Perez’s struggles at Red Bull while acknowledging the potential for a competitive drivers’ championship fight.
