Hamilton suffers further setback after power unit failure

RacingNews365 understands that Lewis Hamilton has lost a power unit from his allotted pool ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, as a result of his power unit failure at Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit.

Hamilton retired from the Australian Grand Prix following a sudden PU failure, with the engine having been returned to Mercedes' engine facility in Brixworth for an investigation to commence.

Following an investigation, it was discovered by the Silver Arrows that the problem with the power unit is terminal and is unable to be returned to the 103-time race winner's allocation pool.

Mercedes found that Hamilton's engine failure was caused by a bottom end failure as a result of a quality process issue.

With Hamilton now only having three power units available for the remaining 21 races, the chances are high that he will be forced into taking an additional engine later in the season, which will invoke a penalty.