The Red Bull driver has exceeded the number of gearboxes allowed for the 2023 season (four), though this news comes from Sky Sports and is yet to be officially confirmed by the FIA.
Verstappen was the favourite to take pole position at Spa-Francorchamps having qualified quickest in seven of the 11 grand prix so far this season.
Though the penalty will be a hinderance, the Dutchman will still be heavy favourite to take victory, such is his form and the pace of the RB19.
The two-time champion has won nine races in 2023, including the last seven in a row to open up a whopping 110 point lead in the standings over teammate Sergio Perez.
Moreover, he won in Belgian last year having started 14th on the grid due to multiple penalties, taking the lead of the race by the 12th lap.
Qualifying for Sunday’s race will take place on Friday, with Belgian playing host to the third sprint weekend of the season, with the sprint shootout and race taking place on Saturday.
There are however concerns that the race could get called off after multiple drivers expressed their worries over safety at Spa with rain forecast for the whole weekend.
Visibility is severely affected in wet conditions at the circuit while the fatal crashes of Anthoine Hubert in 2019 and Dilano van ‘t Hoff earlier this month have lead to calls for changes to the notorious Eau Rouge/Raidillon corners.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz said on Thursday: ‘We should be disciplined with safety. It is the No.1 priority. If it’s not safe to run, we must find solutions with a Safety Car.
‘But don’t fall into the pressure of running just to put on a show. If we can’t see, and it’s down to luck if we crash… I’m not a big fan of this. We must take the right decision and the smart decision.’
MORE : F1 stars voice concerns over safety at Belgian Grand Prix following recent tragedies
MORE : ‘Never say never’ – Lewis Hamilton makes ominous F1 prediction ahead of Belgian Grand Prix
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