Renault and Hulkenberg prepared for penalties before season end

Nico Hulkenberg looks likely to take at least one grid penalty in the second half of the season. The German has already got plenty of use out of his second battery, and if he takes a third, he will get a five-place grid penalty. Renault's Nick Chester has prepared his driver.

Hulkenberg had his second battery installed in Austria. But this component broke in practice at the Hungarian Grand Prix. According to motorsport, this can no longer be used, and his team have selected to use the worn first battery. This has already completed eight races and will need to complete a further nine if Hulkenberg is to avoid a penalty.

"Drivers are aware that they will probably receive the same punishment. The second copy that Hulkenberg used is pretty damaged because of a possible short circuit," suggested Nick Chester, who is responsible for the Renault chassis.