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Hamilton grid penalty: Mercedes driver changes a component

8 October 2021 at 09:42
Last update 8 October 2021 at 10:31
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  • GPblog.com

Lewis Hamilton has switched his ICE for the Turkish Grand Prix. It gives the Mercedes driver a ten-place grid penalty. Only the combustion engine will be replaced for the time being in the W12 of the seven-time world champion. It is possible that Hamilton will replace more parts later.

Confidence in other parts

Mercedes apparently still has sufficient confidence in the MGU-K, MGU-H, Energy Store, Control Electronics and the Turbo Charger. The exhaust has been replaced, but this does not result in any further penalty for Hamilton. The season has seven races left.

Whether the parts will still be replaced will mainly depend on the course of the rest of the weekend. For example, if Hamilton has a mediocre qualifying and only finishes fifth, it is a lot more attractive to just replace all components and start from the back of the grid on Sunday.

Suppose Hamilton manages to grab pole position in qualifying, he will be allowed to start from P11 with the current state of affairs. The drivers between second and 10th will then benefit from Hamilton's penalty.