Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are considering taking a double penalty at an upcoming race to create a pool of engines that will support the Briton’s title push and get him through the 2016 Formula One season without any unexpected penalties.
Hamilton has already used the five turbochargers and five MGU-Hs each driver is allowed to use through a Formula One season which means the current champion will have to take at least one if not two grid place penalties before the end of the season if he has any further failures.
Whilst starting last on the grid is not what Hamilton would want it would at least give himself and the team some breathing space for the remainder of the season.
“That’s a solution I’ve come up with myself,” said Hamilton when Autosport suggested it to the Briton.
“That would definitely be something that could be done.
“I’m definitely going to be taking another engine. It’s a question of when I take it.”
Hamilton will need to be smart with his choice of track if the team does indeed go ahead with a double penalty.
As long he picks the correct track to suffer the double penalty Hamilton’s pain can be limited as he has the ability and the machine to fight his way back through the field to at least score points.
“The strategists will be looking at all the races and saying ‘This is a track where it is easier to overtake’,” added Hamilton.
“Ultimately it’s my decision because I’m the one who actually knows where I’ll be able to do the best job from last place.
“So I have to be strategic in how I decide that, but yeah, it would be nice to get a few engines in the pool at the same time.
“I hope at some stage I’m able to get some fresh ones, but the one I’m driving right now, hopefully, that will hold together for as long as possible.”
With the extra engine performance, Mercedes has over the rest of the field Spa or Monza would be the ideal tracks for Hamilton to suffer the double penalty, with good overtaking opportunities and engine power the key to success at both venues Hamilton would be best placed to make the most out of the situation there.
“They are not the one in my mind, but they are good ones,” said Hamilton
With two races back to back we are unlikely to see a decision made before the summer break now unless Hamilton’s hand is forced by failures in either of these races.
