Hamilton takes five-place grid penalty in Brazil

ANKARA

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton will take a five-place grid penalty for changing his engine ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in the Formula One world championship.

The penalty was confirmed by the stewards midway through the first practice in Sao Paulo.

The motor change seems a risky decision for Hamilton as he has a 19-point gap with current leading driver, Red Bull Racing Honda's Max Verstappen, before the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix on Nov. 14 and only four races to go in the championship.

The motor change is not the only one for the Mercedes team this season as it will be the fifth motor change for the former champion.

Hamilton took a 10-place grid penalty Oct. 8 for an engine change in the Istanbul GP and teammate Valtteri Bottas received a five-place grid penalty Oct. 22 for another change in the US Grand Prix.

The next race in Formula 1 will be run Sunday at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Sao Paulo.