Belgian GP 2026: Grid penalties alter Spa order

The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix grid changed at Spa after penalties for Lando Norris, Isack Hadjar, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll before qualifying.

The Spa starting order changed before the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix after penalties for Lando Norris, Isack Hadjar, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. BBC Sport and RaceFans reported that Norris would serve a 10-place grid drop after McLaren exceeded its permitted power unit allocation, while Formula1.com reported that Alonso joined Norris, Hadjar and Stroll on the penalty list after power unit changes between Friday practice and Saturday.

Autosport and Motorsport.com reported that Isack Hadjar was due to start from the back of the grid after taking a fifth internal combustion engine, turbocharger and exhaust system of the season, beyond the limit of four. Formula1.com identified Fernando Alonso as the latest addition, and its report also included Lance Stroll among the drivers affected at Spa.

The changes mattered in the championship picture before the race. Norris arrived in Belgium fifth in the drivers' championship on 97 points, Hadjar was eighth on 52, Alonso was 18th on one point and Stroll was 22nd on zero.