Hamilton Handed 5 Place Grid Penalty Ahead Of Chinese GP

The Chinese Grand Prix will be held on April 17, 2016, and Lewis Hamilton has collected a penalty even before qualifying. The Mercedes-AMG team has decided to use an all-new gearbox, which has handed the current F1 Champion a five place grid penalty.

Hamilton was involved in an accident at the Bahrain GP. During which his vehicle experienced a damage to the gearbox and certain other parts as well. The British driver completed the Bahrain GP, however, Mercedes believe that the gearbox would not last the Chinese GP and needs to be replaced.

Lewis Hamilton is currently trailing his teammate in the 2016 Formula One Championship. Nico Rosberg is 17 points ahead of Hamilton after two races. The grid penalty that hamilton has been handed will only further affect his chances of closing the gap.

Scuderia Ferrari has set the fastest lap times during free practice two at the Chinese GP. Kimi Raikkonen was fastest followed by Sebastian Vettel and Rosberg. Hamilton was fourth fastest and is this was the final placements, he would start the race in ninth position.

The Mercedes-AMG F1 car is not at its best when stuck behind traffic. Going around the first corner is always tricky and most accidents occur within the middle pack. Lewis Hamilton would want to get a clean getaway at the start and join the front runners as soon as possible.