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Hamilton: Fuel system change has knock-on effects

Lewis Hamilton has hinted that the change of fuel system that Mercedes undertook on Friday night in Austin could have further consequences.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 W07 Hybrid

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 W07 Hybrid

XPB Images

Pole sitter Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 in parc ferme with team mate Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG F1
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 W07 Hybrid
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 W07 Hybrid
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 W07 Hybrid
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 celebrates his pole position in parc ferme

Hamilton said he didn't know that there was a problem until after he arrived at the track on Saturday, and was reluctant to explain any details.

However, he then said: "Maybe you should ask Toto [Wolff] about it. He knows more, and there are knock-on effects, actually."

Wolff confirmed that the change had been made as a precaution.

"We just saw some data where we were not sure whether it was all alright," he explained.

"Our main aim is to give them a reliable car so we can fight it out on track. Therefore we are being maybe uber cautious at the moment.

"Generally this season we had more mechanical reliability problems which we need to get on top of. We're trying to contain that at the moment."

The fuel system is not subject to the FIA limit on elements, so a change can thus not directly lead to a penalty.

However, pressed on what Hamilton had meant, Wolff said: "Yeah, of course there are certain parts, if you change them you get a penalty. We're just trying to have the best decision in order to avoid a penalty, but contain the problem.

"Sorry I can't be any more precise, because I don't want next door [Ferrari and Red Bull] to know."

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