Things could be set to go from bad to worse for Lewis Hamilton with the prospect of a grid penalty looming at the next Grand Prix. The Brit’s power unit is now being investigated following the collision with Fernando Alonso in Belgium, which took him out of the race.
If the engine has suffered significant damage, the 37-year-old will have to use a new one which would result in a grid penalty at the Dutch GP this weekend. A Mercedes spokesman confirmed to Motorsport.com that the power unit has been returned to Brixworth for examination and to decide whether it can be used again, noting that the V6's status was "definitely a concern."
Just over 30 seconds after the impact with his old team-mate Alonso, Hamilton was told by his engineer Peter Bonnington: "Back off, no full load, part throttle, part throttle." Hamilton had used just two V6 engines this season before taking his third on last Friday for Spa, and for it to be already under inspection for potential damage is a huge blow for the Silver Arrows.
