F1 News
Adversity for Hamilton: First engine of 2024 written off
- Cas van de Kleut
Lewis Hamilton has had to change his engine after crashing out in Australia. Motorsport.com reports. The engine can no longer be used, which is a major setback for the Briton.
Hamilton loses first Mercedes engine
Hamilton had to retire early in the Australian Grand Prix due to mechanical problems. It was initially uncertain whether the engine that broke down could be reused in the remainder of the season. Before the Japanese Grand Prix, however, it became clear: the Mercedes engine was written off.
It is a loss for Hamilton. In a Formula 1 season, you are only allowed to use four different engines. If you go over this limit, you get a grid penalty. There are 19 races to go, so it will be difficult for Hamilton to stay within those four engines.
Hamilton is not the only one changing engines for the Japanese Grand Prix. Red Bull driver Sergio Perez also changed several engine parts before the race weekend in Suzuka, as did Yuki Tsunoda, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz only changed an energy store. All of these drivers' swapped parts, unlike Hamilton's, are still useable.