Lewis Hamilton awarded a FIVE-PLACE grid penalty at the Brazilian Grand Prix

Lewis HamiltonHopes of winning a record-breaking eighth Formula One title have made a big dent in Mercedes with the driver being handed a five-place grid penalty for an engine replacement. Brazil,

FIA documents have confirmed that Mercedes has opted for a new internal combustion engine for Hamilton’s car ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos this weekend, resulting in a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race.

Hamilton entered this season’s final four races 19 points behind rival Red Bull title Max Verstappen And so this latest penalty runs the risk of being costly.

Mercedes replaces Hamilton’s engine to race Interlagos circuit

When asked about the possibility of an engine change on Thursday night, Hamilton hesitated, but refused to rule it out.

Hamilton, 36, said, ‘I cannot comment (on the new engine) at the moment. ‘As far as I’m aware, my engines are fine, but I’ll find out later.’

A five-place penalty would not be awarded for the sprint, but he would be five places short of his final position on Saturday on the grid for Sunday’s race.

Hamilton, who has won just one of the last eight races, is occupying the fifth power unit of the season after replacing it in Turkey last month, only fifth in Istanbul and three places behind title favorite Verstappen .

Asked how tough the challenge is to make himself champion once again to make a comeback in race four, Hamilton said: ‘I would imagine as hard as I can. I think his pace in the last race was phenomenal.

‘They’ve had a strong car all year. They’ve had the strongest car all year, you can clearly tell. I think we have done as well as we think we could have done.

Hamilton chasing Max Verstappen for title but penalties could sabotage his hopes