Hamilton did not use new engine from Brazil in Qatar
F1 News
- GPblog.com
Despite only taking a new engine for the Brazilian Grand Prix, it has been revealed Lewis Hamilton was not running the new power unit during qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix, for which he took pole position.
As reported by F1 journalist, Albert Fabrega, Hamilton was not running the engine taken at Interlagos. According to the Spaniard, Hamilton didn't use the new engine he introduced in Brazil, and instead drove with a used engine. This could be one explanation for the lower top speed, which is why Red Bull made up some ground on Mercedes on the straight.
Mercedes haven't yet confirmed this, but according to Erik van Haren the seven-time World Champion wasn't driving with the most recent engine from Brazil. Hamilton would have been driving with his engine from Turkey.
Hamilton no ha usado and la quali el motor nuevo de Interlagos.
— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) November 20, 2021
Hamilton wasn't running at the quali the fresh engine from Interlagos.