F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Mercedes confirms engine upgrades, and Bottas' grid penalty

Mercedes has confirmed that both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas' cars will be fitted with new complete power units for the Belgian GP weekend.

The change, which entails a spec-3 engine evolution, will leave the Mercedes drivers with different fortunes for Sunday.

While Hamilton will be spared a grid demotion, Bottas will be sent to the back of the grid as he had already reached the maximum allocated limit for the season for all six engine elements.

The Finn won't be alone at the tail-end of the filed on Sunday as he'll be flanked, or preceded, by Renault's Nico Hulkenberg whose R.S.18 has also been fitted with a complete new PU.

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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.