Tactical engine change triggered ahead of Belgian Grand Prix
Haas have decided to give Nico Hulkenberg a fresh engine ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix with the German racer already due to start from the very back of the grid.
Hulkenberg has had a pretty miserable weekend thus far at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. A hydraulic issue ensured he finished last in the traditional qualifying format on Friday.
On Saturday, Hulkenberg failed to set a time in sprint qualifying after various pit stop delays and could only recover to P17 in the short and sweet sprint, second last of the finishers.
Ahead of the race itself, Haas have opted to add fresh engine components to Hulkenberg’s car as doing so will not trigger any further grid drop and will instead move him to the pit lane.
The FIA confirmed in a statement that Hulkenberg has taken a new ICE (Internal Combustion Engine), TC (Turbocharger), MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Heat), MGU-K (Motor Generator – Kinetic) and CE (Control Electronics).
A new exhaust and gearbox has also been fitted.
F1 starting grid: 2023 Belgian Grand Prix
1. Charles Leclerc Ferrari
2. Sergio Perez Red Bull
3. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
4. Carlos Sainz Ferrari
5. Oscar Piastri McLaren
6. Max Verstappen Red Bull
7. Lando Norris McLaren
8. George Russell Mercedes
9. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin
10. Lance Stroll Aston Martin
11. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri
12. Pierre Gasly Alpine
13. Valtteri Bottas Alfa Romeo
14. Esteban Ocon Alpine
15. Alex Albon Williams
16. Kevin Magnussen Haas
17. Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo
18. Logan Sargeant Williams
19. Daniel Ricciardo AlphaTauri
20 [pit lane]. Nico Hulkenberg Haas
