Leclerc inherits Belgian GP pole after Verstappen penalty

Red Bull's Max Verstappen posted the fastest lap in qualifying Saturday ahead of the Belgian GP but will start 11th due to a 10-place grid penalty for taking a new power unit.

"This was the best I could do today," Verstappen said. "I don't know how quick we will be, but I'm hoping we'll be in the mix."

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was the benefactor of Verstappen's penalty and will start at the front of the grid Sunday at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

"I did not expect that this weekend," Leclerc said. "Now we need to focus on tomorrow."

Verstappen also posted the fastest lap at Spa in 2023 and 2022 but lost both poles because of a grid penalties.

After narrowly sneaking into Q3, Sergio Perez put together a great performance on used tires to qualify third. He will start at the front of the grid.

Yuki Tsunoda will start at the back of the grid due to bringing in multiple new components.