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Mercedes no longer rules out engine change and grid penalty for Hamilton
- GPblog.com
Lewis Hamilton had hoped to be on pole position for the Russian Grand Prix, but things turned out differently for the seven-time world champion. In the end, it was a fourth-place and that raises the question if it wouldn't be useful for the Mercedes driver to introduce a fourth engine, just like Max Verstappen.
It remains to be seen whether Hamilton can complete the 2021 season with just three engines. If the current number two in the World Championship decides to change engines he will also face a number of grid penalties. It would not be a bad time to change engines as Hamilton can be on the front row of the grid in the remaining GPs this year.
If he decides to change his engine now he may at least finish ahead of Verstappen. The Red Bull Racing driver also has a three-place grid penalty due to the Monza incident, so Hamilton will not have to start from P20.
Speaking to the likes of Motorsport-Total.com Toto Wolff about the possible use of a new engine: "I have never lied to you in my entire life, and I won't. That's why I can't comment on this question at the moment, unfortunately, as the politician would say," the Mercedes team boss laughed.
Mercedes responds to Red Bull
Helmut Marko indicated in Russia that he is pretty sure Hamilton is going to need another power unit. Wolff: "Well, if he says that.... Then we'll see what we do tomorrow!"