Hamilton hit with grid penalty

Lewis Hamilton has been slapped with a five-place grid penalty after Mercedes changed his gearbox….

Lewis Hamilton has been slapped with a five-place grid penalty after Mercedes changed his gearbox.

Final practice did not end on the best of notes for Hamilton as the Mercedes driver suffered a rear-left tyre failure as the chequered flag was waved.

This damaged his W04’s suspension resulting in Hamilton, who had been fifth quickest – 0.208s off the pace – limping back into the pits.

Mercedes were forced to repair the left corner of the car while the gearbox will also have to be replaced.

As such Hamilton will incur a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s 57-lap Bahrain Grand Prix.