Lewis Hamilton to start Azerbaijan GP from pit lane after Mercedes engine change

By Scott Hunt, PA, Baku

Lewis Hamilton will start the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from the pit lane after Mercedes fitted a new engine ahead of the race.

The seven-time world champion qualified seventh on Saturday but the FIA confirmed that Hamilton has been given his fifth engine of the season – exceeding the allotted four.

Mercedes have also made changes to the suspension of Hamilton’s car and he will be joined in the pit lane by Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, who has also been given a new engine.

Hamilton’s grid penalty promotes title hopeful Lando Norris to 15th. The McLaren driver was eliminated from the first part of qualifying on Saturday, blaming yellow flags on the exit of the final turn for him being unable to post a fast enough time.

He qualified 17th but will start 15th after Pierre Gasly was disqualified from qualifying with his car found to have breached FIA technical regulations.

Norris will be bidding to limit the damage in his pursuit of Max Verstappen. He trails the three-time world champion by 62 points having cut the Dutchman’s lead by 16 points across the last two races.

Verstappen qualified sixth with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who is 86 points adrift of the Red Bull driver in the championship standings, on pole position.

The race begins at 1500 local time (1200 BST).