• Bahrain Grand Prix - Qualifying

Grid penalty for Hamilton after gearbox change

ESPN Staff
April 20, 2013 « Teams at odds over extra Friday tyres | Bitter-sweet result for di Resta »
Mercedes has changed the gearbox on Lewis Hamilton's car © Sutton Images
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Lewis Hamilton will have a five-place grid penalty from wherever he qualifies after Mercedes changed his gearbox following final practice.

Hamilton suffered a suspected tyre failure at the end of the final session and also had suspension damage as he returned to the pits. The team had to rebuild the rear of the car and as part of that process is replacing the gearbox ahead of qualifying, resulting in a five-place penalty under the regulations.

Hamilton was fifth fastest in final practice as Mercedes looks further off the pace this weekend compared to China a week ago where Hamilton took pole. Mark Webber and Esteban Gutierrez are also facing grid penalties after being penalised for separate collisions at the Chinese Grand Prix.

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