If it has been damaged too much to be used again, the seven-time world champion will have to take a grid penalty in the near future.
Hamilton’s W13 landed heavily after he was launched when he made contact with Alonso on the first lap. Onboard footage from Alonso and other following cars showed fluid emerging from the back of the Mercedes, while Hamilton reported that he could feel damage.
The team studied the telemetry from the car and some 38 seconds after the impact he was told by his engineer Peter Bonnington, “Back off, no full load, part throttle, part throttle.”
Shortly after the impact, Bonnington urged Hamilton to park on the right side of the track. Hamilton continued slowly while looking for a place to pull up before responding to further requests to stop by switching off the power unit some 90 seconds after his hard landing.
Bonnington’s urgent messages and the smoke from the car suggested that all might not be well with the V6 after running without its coolant, even for a relatively short period.
A Mercedes spokesman confirmed to Motorsport.com that the power unit has been returned to Brixworth for examination and thus a verdict on whether it can be used again, noting that the health of the V6 was “definitely a concern.”
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W13 crash with Fernando Alonso, Alpine A522
Hamilton had used only two V6s prior to taking his third of the year on Friday at Spa, so the example in question was almost brand new and thus expected to complete around seven race weekends – and potentially enable Hamilton to make it to the end of 2022 without further changes. Its loss from the pool will be costly.
Hamilton is also currently on the usage limit with his final MGU-K (also new in Spa), turbo, MGU-H, control electronics and energy store, and thus any further examples of those items will also trigger grid penalties.
The team says that his earlier power units are still operational. However, they will have run a high mileage by now and typically teams save such engines for Friday practice, and Hamilton would clearly benefit from a fresh example for Monza.
Hamilton’s gearbox also took a hard hit when the car landed at Spa, and the gearbox carrier was cracked.
The internals are also subject to a damage inspection and, if they are no longer usable he will have to take a third set in Zandvoort. This will not trigger a penalty.
Red Bull: Porsche 2026 F1 deal still not done
Ten things we learned from the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix
How F1 Contract Recognition Board will decide Piastri’s fate
Red Bull: Porsche 2026 F1 deal still not done
Hamilton’s first experience of turning silver into gold
Red Bull: Eau Rouge F1 compromises, not lightweight chassis, behind Spa form
Red Bull thinks ride height compromises all teams were forced to make because of Eau Rouge were behind Max Verstappen’s dominance of Formula 1’s Belgian Grand Prix weekend.
How Ocon pulled off his Hakkinen-style Spa F1 double overtake
Esteban Ocon channelled his inner Mika Hakkinen by completing a brilliant double pass along the Kemmel Straight at Spa, drawing comparisons to the two-time Formula 1 champion’s move in 2000.
How F1 Contract Recognition Board will decide Piastri’s fate
A virtual meeting of the Contract Recognition Board on Monday is set to decide the Formula 1 future of Oscar Piastri.
No hope Spa F1 struggles were track specific, says Ferrari
Mattia Binotto has downplayed suggestions Ferrari’s Formula 1 struggles at Spa were simply track specific after its resounding defeat to Red Bull in the Belgian Grand Prix.
Belgian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2022
Formula 1 roared back into action after the summer break at the Belgian Grand Prix, where the grid was shaken up by engine penalties which created different opportunities for drivers to shine. While the sole top score can probably be predicted, there were plenty of other high marks at Spa
How Verstappen scored the best win of his F1 career at Spa
Nothing could deny Max Verstappen’s Spa surge as he charged to a ninth Formula 1 win of the season, while yet more bad luck and questionable calls mired Charles Leclerc. Here’s how the Red Bull driver dominated the Belgian Grand Prix.
The traditionalist F1 venue stuck in a philosophical row
With the future of Spa as a grand prix venue in doubt, Ben Edwards admits not everyone will be disappointed if it is dropped from the calendar
Which teams adapted best to F1’s new 2022 rules?
As F1 moves into the second half of the 2022 season, PAT SYMONDS analyses which teams have so far performed well under the championship’s new technical regulations
Why Verstappen has the upper hand for Spa’s recovery race
Formula 1 title rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc both face a battle to recover from the rear of the grid after engine penalties. But it appears the championship leader is in the box seat on pace to salvage the most from a potentially tricky Belgian Grand Prix
How Formula 1’s Audi coup has been realised
Formula 1 has pulled off a major coup in encouraging Audi to join the series as an engine manufacturer from the 2026 season. It speaks to the surge in popularity F1 is enjoying. This is how it came to pass and how the famous German marque will tackle its new challenge
Why Spa can reveal the most about Mercedes’ powers of resurrection
After a difficult start to Formula 1’s ground effect-era, Mercedes has shown signs of recovery in recent races by regularly finishing on the podium and even taking pole last time out in Hungary. With more time to understand its W13 car and its improvement in recent races, plus a new technical directive coming into force for Spa, the Belgian GP could be a crucial barometer of its progress.
How Senna’s first F1 winner gave Lotus life after Chapman
Designed by Gerard Ducarouge, the 97T returned Lotus to the winners circle for the first time since the death of its founder but also, as STUART CODLING reveals, gave the team a problem holding onto its new star
