© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
Despite Max Verstappen having to serve a three-place grid penalty at the Russian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes has no plans to fit a new engine.
Max Verstappen has received a three-place grid penalty for his collision with Lewis Hamilton at Italian Grand Prix, to be served this weekend at Sochi.
Since Max Verstappen will have to take on his fourth engine and serve an engine-related penalty at some point this season, many are suggesting Red Bull will bite the bullet and do the switch ahead of the Russian Grand Prix. This would mean he would start the race from the back of the grid, but also neutralise the original penalty.
There were also some talks that Lewis will also have to take on his fourth unit in 2021, and also serve a penalty, so this weekend might be the perfect opportunity to do so. However, Lewis says for now there are no plans to fit new power units.
“Where we are right now, I think we are OK,” said the Briton.
If you like SilverArrows.Net, consider supporting us by buying us a coffee!
“However, there is a long way to go. At the moment, we have no plans to put in a new engine. I hope that stays the same. But obviously, I can’t predict the future.”
Considering Verstappen will have to serve either a three-place grid penalty, or start from the back in Sochi, Lewis was asked if he feels like a favourite.
“I didn’t know that, but that’s kind of crazy. We enter into a different year, and we have got stiff competition, obviously, all year long. I’m sure it’ll be a lot closer this weekend.
“Our competitors have always been close, there or thereabouts, I think, when we’ve come here in the past, but they’re a lot closer, if not ahead, in a lot of places this year.
“No doubt it’s going to be a tough weekend. Plus, it’s potentially wet on some of the days,” concluded the seven-time champion.
