Lewis Hamilton will face an even tougher ask to close the gap on Max Verstappen in the title race after taking an engine change ahead of this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
Mercedes had been mulling over a possible switch, and the new internal combustion engine has resulted in a five-place grid penalty, with Hamilton having exceeded the allowed number of spare parts used.
The 36-year-old, who lies 19 points behind Verstappen in the drivers’ standings, admitted after the last race in Mexico last week that the Red Bull was just too quick to catch.
Of rumours about a potentially costly engine switch, the seven-time world champion said: “I cannot really comment at the moment. As far as I am aware, my engines are fine but I will find out later on. We have not even done an engineering briefing yet.”
This weekend marks the latest sprint race on the Formula 1 calendar, the race deciding the grid for Sunday’s grand prix.
But on a circuit notorious for difficulties for passing, Hamilton warned: “This is not a very good track for overtaking. I would imagine the challenge this weekend is as steep as can be.
“Red Bull’s pace was phenomenal at the last race and they have had the strongest car this year so we have done as well as we could.”
