'Verstappen and Leclerc to start at the back in Belgium'

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc will both start at the back of the grid in Belgium says Dutch paper De Telegraaf. The two title rivals will have to change several parts prior to the race at Spa-Francorchamps, allowing them both to prepare for a catch-up race.

According to the Dutch newspaper, both Verstappen and Leclerc will not only change their entire engine, but also the gearbox immediately. Leclerc will also get the availability of a new, upgraded hybrid system.

The choice to take the penalties already in Belgium is a rather logical one. There is normally good overtaking on the Ardennes circuit, which means that Red Bull Racing and Ferrari drivers do not have to get stuck in slower traffic for long.

There is no word yet on possible penalties for Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz. Official confirmation from the FIA and the teams themselves is still awaited.