All-new chassis for Hamilton: no grid penalties for Mercedes drivers

Lewis Hamilton does not appear to have to move backwards on the grid. The Mercedes driver hit the wall hard after a mistake in Q3, but it does not have major consequences. The seven-times world champion will drive the rest of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend with a new chassis. That is what trusted journalist Albert Fabrega and others are saying on his Twitter.

A start from the pit lane thus seems to have been averted. On Friday, Toto Wolff was still considering that option. The gearbox also appears to have survived the impact, meaning a grid penalty of a few places is out of the question. However, it is possible that in the second free practice session problems arise. A penalty could then follow later.

Thanks to Sergio Perez's penalty, Hamilton has moved up to ninth place without setting a serious time in the final part of qualifying at the Red Bull Ring. The Briton's aim will be to move into the top five in Saturday afternoon's sprint race.

George Russell will come into action with a completely new rear wing, according to Erik van Haren of De Telegraaf. His gearbox still has to work, so no grid penalties for this Mercedes driver for the time being either.

Hamilton not penalised

Mercedes ha cambiado el chasis de Hamilton después del accidente de ayer. No penaliza.

Mercedes has chanched Hamilton's surviva celldue damages of.yesterday crash. No penalties.#f1 #AustrianGP

— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) July 9, 2022

Nieuw chassis voor Hamilton, versnellingsbak van zowel hem als Russell wordt nog extra gecheckt. Vooralsnog geen straffen. Russell heeft ook nieuwe achtervleugel nodig. Het was een dure vrijdag voor Mercedes. #F1

— Erik van Haren (@ErikvHaren) July 9, 2022