Hamilton faces headwind: 'Worrying times for Mercedes'

Mercedes have replaced Lewis Hamilton's combustion engine this weekend, forcing the driver back ten places on the grid. According to Paul di Resta, this is a strategic decision made by the German team.

The Brit couldn't avoid replacing engine parts any longer. "They want to feel the benefit of that engine, but it's worrying times for Mercedes because they don't normally have to take penalties in this hybrid era," the former Formula One driver stated on Sky Sports. "Bottas lost an engine after one race and had to take a new one in Russia. How long will that last," he cites as an example.

Di Resta, however, believes the Austrian was more unlucky with his engine. "For Lewis, this is not a case of what Red Bull had. They lost two engines, one in each car due to incidents. One at Silverstone for Max, and one at Budapest for Perez. Mercedes are up against it in this championship battle."

Hamilton fastest in first free practice

Hamilton set the fastest time during the first free practice session of the Turkish Grand Prix, while Max Verstappen finished in second place. Their teammates were found much lower down the rankings. While Valtteri Bottas set the fourth-fastest time, Sergio Pérez ended up in 10th place.