Lewis Hamilton closes in on grid penalty after Mercedes' late French GP decision
Lewis Hamilton is closing in on a grid penalty at an upcoming Grand Prix after Mercedes changed parts ahead of the French Grand Prix. The seven-time champion was fitted with a new turbocharger, MGU-H, energy reservoirs and control electronics for this weekend's race.
The new parts do not violate the rules as they are part of the team's allocation for the season. However, the Briton has now used his maximum allocation for each of the four games for the rest of the year.
This means that any new parts fitted to Hamilton's car will likely result in penalties. Reliability hasn't been an issue for Mercedes so far this season, but any breakdown here could be critical.
The FIA released news of the changes minutes after the start of FP1 this afternoon.
READ MORE: Toto Wolff slams his F1 rivals for being 'one-trick ponies'
They wrote: "The turbocharger used by Lewis Hamilton is one of three new turbochargers authorized for the 2022 Championship season." However, they pointed out that the champion has already used two turbochargers this season.
They added: "The engine-heater used by Lewis Hamilton is one of three new engine-heaters authorized for the 2022 Championship season." Again they identified that Hamilton had installed two previous MGU-H systems so far in 2022
Hamilton joins George Russell, Zhou Guanyu and Carlos Sainz in installing new energy reservoirs. Finally, Hamilton, Russell and Sainz will take care of new control electronics systems.
DON'T MISSLewis Hamilton and Red Bull give Ferrari a boost as penalty upheld [INSIGHT]Lewis Hamilton replacement 'nervous' ahead of Mercedes debut [COMMENT]Lewis Hamilton targets two digs to Max Verstappen with a "sensitive" jibe [ANALYSIS]< /p>
The Mercedes drivers have now installed their final electronic control systems for the season, but Sainz will face a penalty after Ferrari breached their allowance. The part was needed after Sainz's engine burst during the final stages of the Austrian Grand Prix two weeks ago.
The FIA wrote: "The control electronics used by Carlos Sainz is the third of two new control electronics authorized for the 2022 season of the Championship and this does not comply with Article 28.2 of the Sporting Regulations of Formula 1 2022."
It was then confirmed that Sainz would receive a 10-place grid penalty for the substitute, which would be a blow to his chances this weekend.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris will both benefit from new exhaust systems for the weekend. However, both are now in their fourth new game of the season with eight teams allowed in total, which means they are also avoiding penalties.
Lewis Hamilton is closing in on a grid penalty at an upcoming Grand Prix after Mercedes changed parts ahead of the French Grand Prix. The seven-time champion was fitted with a new turbocharger, MGU-H, energy reservoirs and control electronics for this weekend's race.
The new parts do not violate the rules as they are part of the team's allocation for the season. However, the Briton has now used his maximum allocation for each of the four games for the rest of the year.
This means that any new parts fitted to Hamilton's car will likely result in penalties. Reliability hasn't been an issue for Mercedes so far this season, but any breakdown here could be critical.
The FIA released news of the changes minutes after the start of FP1 this afternoon.
READ MORE: Toto Wolff slams his F1 rivals for being 'one-trick ponies'
They wrote: "The turbocharger used by Lewis Hamilton is one of three new turbochargers authorized for the 2022 Championship season." However, they pointed out that the champion has already used two turbochargers this season.
They added: "The engine-heater used by Lewis Hamilton is one of three new engine-heaters authorized for the 2022 Championship season." Again they identified that Hamilton had installed two previous MGU-H systems so far in 2022
Hamilton joins George Russell, Zhou Guanyu and Carlos Sainz in installing new energy reservoirs. Finally, Hamilton, Russell and Sainz will take care of new control electronics systems.
DON'T MISSLewis Hamilton and Red Bull give Ferrari a boost as penalty upheld [INSIGHT]Lewis Hamilton replacement 'nervous' ahead of Mercedes debut [COMMENT]Lewis Hamilton targets two digs to Max Verstappen with a "sensitive" jibe [ANALYSIS]< /p>
The Mercedes drivers have now installed their final electronic control systems for the season, but Sainz will face a penalty after Ferrari breached their allowance. The part was needed after Sainz's engine burst during the final stages of the Austrian Grand Prix two weeks ago.
The FIA wrote: "The control electronics used by Carlos Sainz is the third of two new control electronics authorized for the 2022 season of the Championship and this does not comply with Article 28.2 of the Sporting Regulations of Formula 1 2022."
It was then confirmed that Sainz would receive a 10-place grid penalty for the substitute, which would be a blow to his chances this weekend.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris will both benefit from new exhaust systems for the weekend. However, both are now in their fourth new game of the season with eight teams allowed in total, which means they are also avoiding penalties.
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