'It isn't over until it's over', says combative Hamilton

For the first time since Hungary in 2014, Lewis Hamilton shall start a Grand Prix from the back of the grid.

The reigning world champion, who had already been hit with a 5-spot grid penalty associated with a Mercedes gear box change, encountered an issue with his power unit early on in the red  flagged delayed Q1 segment.

His team was initially hopeful of working around the problem which appeared to be linked to the ERS component of the Mercedes engine, but in the end Hamilton was called back in, permanently parking his car.

"It's unfortunate, the best thing we can do is learn from it," Hamilton said.

"I'm sure the guys are just as gutted as I am, we win and we lose together so it's just a case of trying to figure out the issue and make sure it doesn't happen gain."

In 2014, Hamilton launched his race in China  from the pitlane and ended up on the podium, a memory he may well recall and draw some hope from for tomorrow.

"You can overtake here, but tyres don't last as well, so it may not be as simple as it was back then. But of course I'll give it all I've got to try and get up. It isn't over until it's over.

"The car is quick however, so hopefully they get the issue fixed and we have a race tomorrow."

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