{"id":307,"date":"2016-10-07T11:59:16","date_gmt":"2016-10-07T15:59:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonmotorsport.com\/?p=307"},"modified":"2016-10-07T11:59:16","modified_gmt":"2016-10-07T15:59:16","slug":"mercedes-engine-failure-cause-precautions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2016\/10\/07\/mercedes-engine-failure-cause-precautions\/","title":{"rendered":"Mercedes Engine Failure Cause Revealed, Precautions Taken"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lewis Hamilton<\/strong>‘s catastrophic engine failure in the\u00a0Malaysian Grand Prix<\/strong> could be trouble\u00a0for\u00a0Mercedes<\/strong> teams. The upcoming Japanese Grand Prix<\/strong>\u00a0could either make or break the Championship race.\u00a0The Mercedes engine failure is being attributed to\u00a0crankshaft bearing failure<\/a>. Teams using Mercedes engines will continue to use their Malaysian Grand Prix power units as a precaution.<\/p>\n

Mercedes Engine Failure Cause Revealed, Precautions Taken<\/h2>\n

Implications for Japanese Grand Prix<\/h3>\n

The failure has Mercedes urging associated teams to be cautious in Japan. These\u00a0teams include\u00a0Manor<\/strong>,\u00a0Williams<\/strong>, and\u00a0Force India<\/strong>. The threat of engine failure has yet to slow\u00a0down Mercedes’ own cars. Hamilton and teammate\u00a0Nico Rosberg<\/strong>\u00a0remain\u00a0in control of\u00a0FP2, with Rosberg fastest overall. Force India drivers\u00a0Nico Hulkenberg\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Sergio Perez<\/strong> also within the top 10 fastest times.<\/p>\n

Teams will remain cautious until Hamilton’s failed engine has been completely analysed<\/a>. If the changes do effect Mercedes,\u00a0Red Bull Racing<\/strong> could be on a winning streak.\u00a0With\u00a0Ferrari<\/strong> failing to catch up and Mercedes erring on the side of caution, expect Red Bull to strike. In addition, the situation\u00a0puts a major dent in Hamilton’s title hopes. As engines fail, the points gap between Rosberg and Hamilton continues to grow.<\/p>\n

Reactions from Within Mercedes<\/h3>\n

Tension was high following Lewis Hamilton’s engine failure in the Malaysian Grand Prix. The three-time\u00a0Formula 1 World Champion<\/strong> showed frustration towards his team, stating “We have so many engines made for drivers, but mine are the only ones failing<\/a>.” Although Hamilton’s comments stem from frustration, they raise questions\u00a0about Mercedes engine failure. In response to these questions, Mercedes told Sky Sports\u00a0“Anyone with an ounce of intelligence analysing the situation would realise that the prospect of us designing a piece of equipment to fail at that precise moment\u2026 if we were that good we would be able to control everything.<\/a>”<\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/LewisHamilton\/status\/782528221652934656<\/p>\n

Despite frustrations and setbacks, Mercedes remains optimistic.\u00a0Of Hamilton’s comments,\u00a0Niki Lauda\u00a0<\/strong>has said “I don’t want to say he said rubbish, but these things can happen, the emotion. It’s fully acceptable and there’s nothing wrong. Nothing wrong<\/a>.”<\/p>\n

Hamilton’s teammate and points leader Nico Rosberg has the most to lose. An engine failure for either driver would cost the team. For Rosberg, it would be costly because of his\u00a0points lead.\u00a0However, the German driver told Formula1.com: “I trust the team that they will do the best they can to make sure that such an engine failure will not happen again. There will be certain changes on the engine for this weekend here in Japan. Am I worried that such an issue could decide the championship? No.<\/a>”<\/p>\n

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