Lewis Hamilton concerns raised after Valtteri Bottas takes another grid penalty for US GP

Lando Norris reveals the advice Lewis Hamilton gave him

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Mercedes have been hit with fresh concerns in the title battle with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after the FIA confirmed Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas will take another internal combustion engine [ICE] ahead of the United States Grand Prix.

Bottas will be hit with just a five-place grid penalty rather than 10 for the race as the Finn picks up his sixth new engine this season, with just three permitted at the start of the season.

Bottas is not in championship contention, but his team-mate is, sitting six points behind Verstappen in the driver standings, but another engine change raises further concerns that Mercedes have on ongoing issue with their engines.

The British-based German outfit had already been forced to take a grid penalty for the seven-time world champion, as Hamilton picked up a fourth ICE ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix, with the team not wanting to risk a mechanical failure ahead of the race with just six remaining.

JUST IN:
Verstappen responds to claims he would have ‘punched’ Hamilton in past

It’s not the first time concerns have been raised this season about the reliability of the Mercedes engine, and when asked if Hamilton’s change at Istanbul was tactical, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admitted they had no choice.

“We had to do it,” the team boss told Sky Sports F1. “We saw some data on the Internal Combustion unit that didn’t look very promising and a DNF is a total killer for the championship.”

“We’ve seen over the course of the season that we’ve had some little gremlins that we weren’t completely sure where they came from and how much performance they could potentially cost.

DON’T MISS:
Lewis Hamilton understands Toto Wolff warning in Max Verstappen battle
Max Verstappen comments show he’s learning key lessons
Lewis Hamilton got Mercedes call wrong but still tipped to win title

“So we’d rather have a new engine in the pool and that we understand that can possibly go longer.”

“I think we understand much better now where the root cause lies and it’s something that can happen from time to time if you just have a material issue, a batch problem and these are the things you need to consider,” explained Wolff.

But Wolff also refused to rule out his lead driver taking a fifth Power Unit.

“It [fourth ICE] can last until the end of the season but there could be a moment where we say is it worth taking a fresh one because the other one is still at risk,” said Wolff

“So this is something that is going to be really a work in progress.

“It’s seven tough races ahead of us. Let’s see how the points pan out. I would never say no but normally four engines looks quite sufficient.”

Source: Read Full Article