SAKHIR, Bahrain -- Lewis Hamilton will start the Bahrain Grand Prix with a five-place grid penalty after the team found an issue with his gearbox ahead of this weekend's race.
The FIA confirmed on Friday evening that Hamilton's gearbox had been replaced ahead of Saturday's final practice session, breaking the cycle of six consecutive races a gearbox is required to last under the regulations. As a result Hamilton will be issued with a five-place grid penalty on top of his qualifying position.
Mercedes said the problem was caused by a hydraulic leak in the gearbox and that Hamilton was lucky to finish the race in Melbourne.