Mercedes provide key Hamilton update ahead of Japanese GP

Mercedes have delivered an important update on Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes engine after it suffered a severe failure during the Australian Grand Prix.

The Brit was forced to retire on lap 17 of the race after his car shutdown to protect engine components from a sudden drop in oil pressure.

READ MORE: Mercedes F1 boss makes shock U-TURN on key decision

It may have saved lots of costly damage, as well as issues to other components within the car which could lead to grid penalties later on in the season.

The long-distance nature of the early part of the season means that it can take time to transport and properly assess anything which has been damaged in a race.

It's part of the reason why the extent of the damage to the Silver Arrows power unit is unknown currently, with the team assessing the parts back at base in Brixworth.

READ MORE: Potential Hamilton replacement CONFIRMED for Mercedes drive

How much damage did Lewis Hamilton's car sustain?

Speaking in their post-race debrief for the Australian Grand Prix, Technical Director James Allison assured that they will know the cause of the problems soon.

“We do not. The power units will return to the safe hands of the guys at Brixworth, who will be able to figure out what let go,” he said.

“All we know is the symptoms at the time, which was a rapid loss of oil pressure followed by a shutdown of the engine to protect it.

READ MORE: Hamilton has timed his F1 Ferrari switch to perfection

“When you know you’ve got catastrophic loss like that, the best thing you can do for the future is kill it there and then, and then you have not got like a load of molten metal," Allison continued.

“You have normally got a fairly clear evidence chain of what caused it and then that lets you work better for the future.

"So, we do not know yet, [but] Brixworth and HPP [Mercedes High Performance Powertrains] will do in short order.”

READ MORE: Mercedes confirm SPECIAL return

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

'Where the hell?' - Lewis Hamilton stunned by Mercedes pace at Australian Grand Prix

• Yesterday 21:57

F1 News Today: Max Verstappen stunned as FIA announce Mercedes penalty decision

• 2 hours ago

F1 Race Today: Australian Grand Prix 2026 start times, schedule, TV channel and FREE live stream

• Yesterday 19:58

Kim Kardashian at the Australian Grand Prix? Sky F1 star told to stop fishing about Lewis Hamilton 'romance'

• Yesterday 17:55

F1 News Today: Newey reveals the shocking truth as FIA announce last-minute U-turn

• Yesterday 17:50

F1 Results Today: Russell unleashes TRUE Mercedes pace as Hamilton blown away at Australian GP

• Yesterday 04:04