Bottas gets 'precautionary' engine change at Mercedes

Before the British Grand Prix weekend kicks off, Mercedes has opted to change the power unit on Valtteri Bottas' W09 as a matter of precaution after the Finn's retirement in Austria.

Bottas was hit with a hydraulic issue after 13 laps in last Sunday's race at the Red Bull Ring. The Mercedes squad has investigated and identified the issue but has nevertheless decided to allocate a new engine to the Finn, his third this season.

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"Valtteri will take a third PU this weekend. This is a precaution after we suffered high temps on his second PU from heat soak following the retirement in Austria," a Mercedes spokesperson said.

"It doesn't mean PU2 is out of service, it will be used again and thoroughly checked in Germany.

"No penalties are incurred because we remain within the permitted contingent of components. FIA documents will confirm in due course."

Indeed, Bottas' engine change gets a free pass but the Mercedes driver has now reached the limit for all his unit's components. A 10-place grid penalty awaits Bottas in the event of another ICE, turbo, MGU-H or MGU-K component failure.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.