Lewis Hamilton has moved closer to receiving a grid penalty in an upcoming Grand Prix after Mercedes changed parts ahead of the French Grand Prix. The seven-time champion has been fitted with a new turbocharger, MGU-H, energy stores and control electronics for this weekend’s race.
The new parts do not breach the regulations as they are part of the team;s allocations for the season. However, the Briton has now used his maximum allowance for each of the four parts for the rest of the year.
It means any new parts installed to Hamilton’s car will likely lead to penalties. Reliability has not been an issue for Mercedes so far this season but any blowouts from here could be critical.
The FIA released news of the changes minutes after the start of FP1 this afternoon.
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The Mercedes drivers have now installed their final control electronics systems for the season but Sainz will face a penalty after Ferrari breached their allocation. The part was needed after Sainz’s engine blowout in the closing stages of the Austrian Grand Prix two weeks ago.
The FIA wrote: “The control electronics used by Carlos Sainz is the third of the two new control electronics allowed for the 2022 Championship season and this is not in conformity with Article 28.2 of the 2022 Formula One Sporting Regulations.
It was then confirmed Saimnz would receive a 10-place grid penalty for the replacement in a blow to his chances this weekend.
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