Valtteri Bottas has been forced to take another new power unit at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after a problem was detected on his original fresh engine.
Bottas’ engine suffered from excessive oil consumption in Brazil and Mercedes was forced to fit new power unit components prior to the final round of the year at the Yas Marina Circuit.
That condemned Bottas to a back-of-the grid start at the venue where he claimed victory in 2017.
Bottas was quickest during both practice sessions on Friday but post-session Mercedes detected a pneumatic leak.
Bottas will therefore take a fifth power unit of the season, with his W10 equipped with a new Internal Combustion Engine, MGU-H, MGU-K and Turbocharger.
Bottas has already sealed second in the championship, behind Lewis Hamilton, with Mercedes assured of its sixth successive Constructors’ title.
