Belgian Grand Prix: Hamilton faces strategy dilemma

Formula One leader needs to decide when to cop imminent penalties

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS: Lewis Hamilton returns to work at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend knowing he faces the prospect of grid penalties in the next few weeks that could dent his prospects of a fourth world championship.

After a four-week break for the European summer holidays, the defending three-time champion seeks his fifth consecutive victory for Mercedes and third at the majestic Spa circuit in the hope of increasing his 19-point lead with nine races to go.

But he knows that he is virtually certain to take penalties in the upcoming races for using more than the permitted number of power unit components after a string of mechanical failures in the opening months of the season.

The 31-year-old Briton reached his permitted maximum of five turbochargers and MGU-Hs at the Austrian Grand Prix, resulting in him having to nurse his engines, when possible, through recent races.



The regulations allow drivers five penalty-free changes of six different components before grid penalties of up to 15 places are handed out — a situation that could mean Hamilton starts from the back of the grid in pursuit of his Mercedes teammate and title rival Nico Rosberg.

“I’ve had ups and downs before, but I think this has definitely been harder because it hasn’t felt so much like fault from me,” said HamiIton. “I honestly feel stronger now and able to handle whatever it is that is going to be thrown at me.”

He and the Mercedes team face a decision on their strategy for Hamilton.



They may seek victory in Belgium and then take his new power-unit components — and the penalties — in Italy, a week later where his outright pace makes it likely that he can rescue a result from the back of the grid.

Or he may take all the new parts in Belgium where the length of the lap and the circuit characteristics would reduce the impact of a bad grid spot.

Whatever the decision, Rosberg will see Hamilton’s misfortunes as a chance to reduce his teammate’s lead in the title race while both Ferrari and Red Bull will aim to mount a fightback against Mercedes domination at one of the most spectacular venues of the season.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2016.

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