The respective teams of Esteban Ocon and Lewis Hamilton have installed a fifth power unit block in the race cars. Due to exceeding the limit allowed by the FIA (4 power unit blocks per year allowed), both drivers must start from the pit lane.
The FIA, International Automobile Federation, has stated that Mercedes and Alpine mounted these engine units after qualifying.
« The following elements of the power unit were used: 5th internal combustion engine (ICE), 5th turbocharger (TC), 5th heat generator unit – MGU-H. All elements of the power unit were replaced without approval from the FIA Technical Delegate during Parc Fermé. Infringement: Infringement of Articles 28.2 and 40.3 of the FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations. » FIA communicated regarding Esteban Ocon.
Regarding Lewis Hamilton, the MGU K has also been replaced. « The following power unit elements have been used: 5th internal combustion engine (ICE) 5th turbo (TC) 5th MGU-H unit (Heat) 5th MGU-K unit (kinetic) All power unit elements were replaced without the approval of the FIA technical delegate during Parc Fermé. » confirms the FIA.
