Mercedes is set to make a final call on Friday morning as it evaluates whether to introduce its updated engine specification at the French Grand Prix.
Mercedes was poised to introduce PU2 as scheduled at the preceding event in Canada, only for a quality issue to delay its debut.
It meant Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas both competed in Canada with Mercedes’ old spec engine, with Hamilton admitting he was “grateful” to reach the chequered flag.
Mercedes has yet to confirm whether it will take the PU2 update or retain the initial PU1 spec, with Bottas explaining: “For sure we need to take some kind of new engine, because the other one is already seven races old.
“We are very much wanting to run the new spec, but we need to confirm tomorrow if we can or not. We’ll see tomorrow.”
Hamilton, though, was nonplussed by the prospect of taking on a fresh version of PU1, should the need arise.
“It is all about tiny margins, let’s just wait and see,” he said.
“At the moment going into this weekend I’ve been on the phone to Andy [Cowell] this week, I have absolute full confidence in him and the guys. Let’s just see.
“I don’t want to say too much at the moment because I don’t know what Andy’s planning at the moment but I trust whatever decision these guys make will be for the right reasons.
“We’ve done the seven races with great power and great performance until now so if we are to take the old spec I’m not worried about it.”
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