Mercedes confirm 15-place Hamilton grid penalty

Mercedes have confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will take a 15-place grid penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend.

The Formula One world champion will use a sixth power unit of the season at Spa-Francorchamps, which is over the permitted allocation for the year.

Hamilton’s car was fitted with a fifth MGU-H and turbocharger at the Austrian Grand Prix last month and Mercedes confirmed ahead of Friday’s first practice session that further changes have been made for the first race after the mid-season break.

The alterationss mean he must start the race 15 places back from where he qualifies to leave his chances of extending his championship lead over team-mate Nico Rosberg looking slim.

Rosberg, 19 points adrift of Hamilton in the standings, has been fitted with a fourth different power unit of the season.