Valtteri Bottas is set to be hit with a five-place grid penalty for the British Grand Prix this weekend, meaning the Finn won't be in contention for pole position on Saturday.
Mercedes has confirmed that the number 77 car of Bottas requires a gearbox change following Friday's practice sessions – both of which were topped by Bottas from team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
It's the second event in a row Mercedes have encountered gearbox problems, with Hamilton taking a five-place grid drop in Austria – a race won by Bottas – for an out of sync change.
"His [Bottas'] gearbox was damaged in the same way as Lewis' but less severely, and we had hoped to coax it to the end of the cycle," read a statement from the team. "However, we have not been able to do so. The cause of the damage is understood and now behind us, just as for Lewis' problem."
Gearboxes must last six consecutive events, with any change before that incurring a penalty.
Therefore with Mercedes somewhat dominating practice on Friday, it looks as though Hamilton could be set for an easy pole position at his home race unless rivals Ferrari and Red Bull can find some speed overnight.
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