Hamilton, Gasly change engine components for Abu Dhabi GP
Lewis Hamilton and Pierre Gasly have changed engine parts ahead of the 2018 Formula 1 finale but both avoid grid penalties as they take on previously used components.
The reigning F1 world champion had been sweating over his power unit during the last race in Brazil but after Mercedes ran checks during Friday practice it confirmed it would not need to take on new parts.
Lewis Hamilton and Pierre Gasly have changed engine parts ahead of the 2018 Formula 1 finale but both avoid grid penalties as they take on previously used components.
The reigning F1 world champion had been sweating over his power unit during the last race in Brazil but after Mercedes ran checks during Friday practice it confirmed it would not need to take on new parts.
In the FIA technical delegate’s report ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix it was confirmed Hamilton has changed the energy store and controlled electronics on his Mercedes, as well as the Octopus floor logging unit, but avoids a grid penalty using components that have been previously raced this year.
Toro Rosso’s Gasly had also been under threat of grid penalties after an engine issue during qualifying at the Yas Marina Circuit, which forced him out in Q1, but confirmed Honda has enough previous parts in its engine pool to not incur any grid penalties.
Gasly has a previously used internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-K and MGU-H changed plus various parts related to the power unit including a fresh clutch.
The French driver, who contests his final race for Toro Rosso this weekend ahead of his step up to Red Bull next season, also confirmed the previously used parts will all be Honda’s latest specification and doesn’t fear an underperforming engine for the 2018 finale.
Hamilton starts from pole position in Abu Dhabi with Gasly lining up on the grid in 17th place.
