Verstappen Takes Pole in Belgium but Faces Grid Penalty

Max Verstappen led the first practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix, ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri. Despite this, Verstappen will face a 10-place grid penalty for taking on a fifth engine. Other notable mentions include Yuki Tsunoda starting at the back, and Esteban Ocon facing issues with his Alpine car.

Max Verstappen clinched the fastest time in the first practice for the Belgian Grand Prix, clocking in at 1 minute and 43.372 seconds. The Red Bull star will, however, face a 10-place grid penalty after taking on a fifth engine.

McLaren's Oscar Piastri trailed Verstappen by 0.531 seconds, followed by Williams' Alexander Albon in third. Factors influencing the Red Bull team's decision include the overtaking ease at Spa, where Verstappen has previously won from a disadvantaged grid position.

Issues plagued other drivers too, with RB's Yuki Tsunoda starting at the back of the grid for an engine penalty, and Esteban Ocon abandoning practice due to a suspected water leak in his Alpine.

(With inputs from agencies.)