Lewis Hamilton’s chances of winning the Chinese Grand Prix have been dealt a blow after the McLaren driver has been forced to change his gearbox prior to the event.
The change will result in a five-place grid drop for Hamilton. He has qualified on pole in the previous two races, but barring any unusual situations, the highest he can qualify is sixth.
“The team only discovered there was an issue in the last 48 hours or something like that,” said Hamilton. “I don’t know the absolute details as to what has happened, but it means we have to change. That’s racing.”
