Despite scoring his first point of the season in Hungary, and subsequently being retained by McLaren for 2018, it was back down to earth with a bump today for Stoffel Vandoorne as he faced up to the prospect of a 35-place grid penalty for his maiden home Grand Prix.

As it seeks to improve performance and reliability, Honda is introducing a number of new parts for its Spec 3 power unit at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend as it also eyes next weekend's back-to-back event at Monza.

With the youngster set to take a new power unit, turbocharger, MGU-H, MGU-K and control electrics, he is facing a 35-place grid penalty on Sunday.

The new components are likely to be run on the Belgian's car only, and if successful will be used on Fernando Alonso's car next weekend, which will leave the Spaniard facing a similar penalty.

Check out our Thursday gallery from Spa, here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by MVR, 25/08/2017 11:08

"WHat they need to do now is increase the size pf the starting grid. Put in about 60 boxes. That way these penalties can be made to look reasonable. ;-)"

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2. Posted by ALFA 2, 25/08/2017 9:22

"If any one wonders why interest in Formula one is declining, they need look no further that rulings such as this one. It is not the drivers fault, and yet he is the one most penalized. surely it would make more sense to fine the team if you need to place a penalty on anyone."

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3. Posted by nonickname, 24/08/2017 11:36

"He normally qualifies 12th so it is not too bad. Hope that the new updates work for them"

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Vandoorne set for 35-place grid penalty at home race

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