Fernando Alonso to receive grid penalty

Fernando Alonso will drop to the back of the grid for the Belgian Grand Prix after being handed a 35 place gird penalty.

The team found a water leak in the energy recovery system (ERS) during FP1, causing him to sit out the rest of the session and resulting in no timed laps. The team were forced to change the whole unit, using a sixth part for all elements of the power unit.

Honda are bringing an upgraded engine to the Belgian Grand Prix but it was not the start to the weekend that Alonso or any of the team wanted. Also confirmed to be taking a penalty is championship leader Lewis Hamilton, who is expected to drop 15 positions.