Mercedes has been confronted with engine problems several times this year, luckily for them that usually happened with so-called ‘customer teams’ that purchase engines from them. In recent races, however, engine problems have also increasingly cropped up with their own team.
For example, there has been ‘noise’ on the internal combustion engine that is located in the Mercedes power source for some time. In Turkey, Lewis Hamilton had to be provided with a new internal combustion engine.
“I think we now have a much better understanding of the root of our problems with the engines, it’s something that can happen from time to time, when you have a material problem, or a batch of problems, these are things to consider ,” said Toto Wolff.
“The limits are being pushed further and we have seen examples of strange noises in the internal combustion engine.”
“We didn’t really have an explanation for that at the time and that has caused us problems in the past. We had engines that just got stuck, now it’s more about minimizing the problems.”
“At the moment it is not possible to exchange parts so you can’t approach it that way.”
“It is always very important to find the right balance between a fast engine and an engine that is reliable, and that will continue to be the case in the future.”
“We will not go into next season at a disadvantage, we know where our weak point is. We must now find a solution to our problems.”
Lewis Hamilton’s internal combustion engine had to be replaced prior to the Turkish GP and that resulted in a ten-place grid penalty. Hamilton is not worried about any engine problems in the future.
“I don’t really spend energy on it,” said Hamilton. “It’s not my job to worry about that, so let the guys from the team focus on it and worry about it.”
“My engine is in good condition. I think I did six races with my first bike. We still have the second engine and I think the third engine is still in the pool of engines to be used.”
“Hopefully I don’t need a fifth engine but I can’t predict the future,” concluded Hamilton, who of course could miss a withdrawal or additional grid penalties in the title fight with Max Verstappen as a toothache.
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(F1journaal.be)
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