Verstappen hit with 10-place grid penalty for Belgian GP

Dutch reigning Formula One world champion Max Verstappen was handed a 10-place grid penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix on Friday after making an engine change.

Red Bull fitted a fifth internal combustion engine to Verstappen's car, in addition to the four permitted per season. This change will earn him a penalty on the starting grid of the GP, as per the rules in force.

Red Bull made the move after three races without a win.

The sanction came as no surprise for Verstappen, who said to the press on Thursday that it was likely he would face punishment.

"Some tracks naturally are a bit better than others (to incur this penalty). Of course, on a street circuit, you wouldn't want to have an engine penalty. So, yeah, most likely it will be here," the 26-year-old said Thursday.

Verstappen is looking for a fourth-consecutive win at Belgium's famous Spa race course on Sunday.

However, he has tempered his expectations for this year.

"If you look at our last few races where we haven't particularly been the fastest, I wouldn't say that with 10 places extra we have a chance of winning. But, again, a race can always be turned upside down with moments," said Verstappen.

In the overall championship standings, Verstappen has a 76-point lead over his closest challenger, Lando Norris of McLaren.