Lewis Hamilton will be handed a five-place grid penalty for the Austrian Grand Prix, following an precautionary gearbox change due to damage sustained at Baku last month
The gearbox used at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix had not reached the end of its required six race lifespan before being replaced. As he completed the race distance – bringing his Mercedes home in fifth place – the damage sustained to the gearbox does not exempt him from a penalty for the switch.
“The above driver did finish the last race in Baku and this gearbox change was before the six consecutive Events expired,” read a statement from Jo Bauer, the FIA Formula 1 Technical Delegate.
“As this is not in compliance with Article 23.5a of the 2017 Formula One Sporting Regulations, I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration. The team informed the technical delegate about the gearbox change on Tuesday, 04th July 2017, at 11:29 hours.”
Hamilton had been the early favourite for pole position this weekend, having topped both free practise sessions earlier today, but will now start from no higher than sixth for Sunday’s race.
