Mercedes and its customer teams will run new, upgraded power units at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, with Valtteri Bottas sustaining a grid penalty as a result.
Mercedes has introduced a new specification power unit and both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, along with customers Williams and Racing Point Force India, will run the parts.
Hamilton has a new Turbocharger, Internal Combustion Engine, MGU-H and MGU-K, keeping him within his 2018 allocation, as outlined in the regulations.
Bottas, though, had already reached his limit prior to the Belgian Grand Prix, and Mercedes has opted to fit a complete new power unit, with all six elements fresh.
Bottas will thus exceed the maximum permitted 15-place grid penalty and as a result is set to start Sunday’s Grand Prix from the rear of the 20-car grid.
Bottas will be joined at the back by Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg, who has also taken on his fourth ICE of the year – along with other new components – meaning he too will sustain a penalty.
Hulkenberg’s Renault team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr., McLaren’s Stoffel Vandoorne and both Ferrari drivers will also use new ICEs at Spa, though all are within their respective allocations.
Hamilton’s title rival Vettel will also be equipped with a new Turbocharger and MGU-H.
