Reporting note: this article draws on Sky Sports; PGLive provides the summary and editorial framing.
Strategic Power Unit Change for McLaren
McLaren has confirmed that Lando Norris will receive a 10-place grid penalty for Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix. The team is fitting a fourth power electronics unit to the MCL40, exceeding the season's permitted allocation of three.
The decision follows a series of mechanical setbacks earlier in the season. According to the team, the first unit suffered a terminal failure in China, while a second unit required withdrawal following issues in Japan and a subsequent failure during practice in Monaco. The current unit, in use since the Miami Grand Prix, has functioned reliably, but McLaren has opted to install an updated version to incorporate the latest reliability improvements provided by Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains.
Why Spa-Francorchamps?
McLaren selected the Belgian Grand Prix for this penalty due to the circuit's characteristics. With its long straights and overtaking opportunities, the team views Spa-Francorchamps as the most strategic location to recover positions compared to the upcoming races in Hungary and Zandvoort. The team intends for this fourth unit to remain in the car for the remainder of the season to ensure stability.
This change coincides with a broader push from McLaren, which recently announced the introduction of significant aerodynamic upgrades, including a new rear wing, as they look to close the performance gap at the front of the field.
The penalty will be applied to Norris' final starting position following Saturday's qualifying session.
