Report: Lewis Hamilton Set to Take Up His Engine Penalty in Mexico City

The end of summer break and consequent commencement of the Belgian Grand Prix triggered a wave of engine penalties, with Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas being the first in line to pay the price for a new power unit. The Finn did an exceptional job of finishing the race in P3, after starting from the back of the grid.

Then followed Max Verstappen, who took up the engine penalty at Sochi last weekend, along with other drivers, including Charles Leclerc, Nicholas Latifi, and shockingly, Bottas, again.

Amidst the blazing hot championship rivalry, Verstappen managed to use the dynamic weather to his fullest advantage to bring home his Red Bull in P2 at the Russian GP. Yes, the Dutchman yet again lost his lead in the championship, but that wouldn’t bother him much, with the difference being a measly 2 points.

And now, Lewis Hamilton awaits his turn! But when is his engine penalty going to arrive? Many suggested the switch to take place at Istanbul Park next weekend, considering the eventful race last season, thanks to the pre-race showers. However, Mercedes aren’t really keen on bringing in a new power unit at the Turkish GP.

When will Mercedes deliver Lewis Hamilton a new engine?

Mercedes have designed a road map that is nowhere similar to most of the grid. According to FormulaPassion, the seven-time world champion’s turn will arrive later in Mexico. The Mexican Grand Prix will take place on November 7, 2021, after Turkey and the United States.

This is certainly a smart strategical play from Mercedes. Hamilton, as always, could be quite deadly over the closing stages of an F1 season. And, yet again, he is starting to overpower his rival, having secured a win at Sochi, and almost reciprocating it at Monza as well.

Now, on top of that, a late switch to a new power unit could well give the Briton a massive power advantage over Verstappen during the final 5 race weekends, starting from the Mexican Grand Prix.

Mexico could be a suitable track for Hamilton to make overtakes on, unless he gets caught up in a train of cars. But, on the whole, the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez offers a massive main straight, which could well play a supporting role to Hamilton’s recovery drive from P20.

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