Lewis Hamilton goes into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix level on points with Max Verstappen. A straight shootout between the two drivers will decide the championship in 2021. There were some reports that the Mercedes driver might take a new engine to gain an advantage. But Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin has mentioned that the team does not have any such plans.

If Lewis takes a new engine, he would have to take a five-place grid penalty. Shovlin mentioned they would only change the engine if they find an issue with the current one.

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There is no such thing in the plan: Andrew Shovlin

As reported by Motorsport. tr, the Mercedes engineering director mentions that taking a new engine is not in their plans. Mercedes already have a spare engine in their bank if the current one fails.

“There is no such thing in the plan. If we’re doing that, something has gone wrong. It doesn’t look like a good idea to us. We only do it if we have a major problem. Even if we lose an engine, it wouldn’t be our plan A to do it.” said Shovlin.

Shovlin also mentioned that taking a new engine would not make a significant difference, as everyone believes. He accepted that there is a performance advantage, but not that big as it is perceived.

“It’s not as big as it sounds. I think Red Bull thought it made a big difference. I think Toto said the same. Of course, it’s a useful step in the right direction, but not enough to make up for what Max and I saw in one lap. Still, it’s certainly a step in the right direction.” said Andrew.

It would not be a good idea for Lewis to take a new engine, as Verstappen would not be that slow. Also, Abu Dhabi is not known as a circuit where you can overtake as easily as Brazil. It will be fascinating to see how the final race pans out.

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