(BBC) – Lewis Hamilton says he will try to limit the damage to his title hopes in tomorrow’s Belgian Grand Prix.The defending champion made engine changes to his Mercedes in both practice sessions at Spa yesterday and has been given a 30-place grid penalty, which will only apply this weekend.
Hamilton has to use more than the permitted number of engine parts after problems early in the season.
“I feel OK. It is going to be an interesting Sunday,” said Hamilton.
“Getting into the top 10 probably won’t be the particularly hard thing; it’s going to be getting through there that is going to be the problem.”
Hamilton starts the race with a 19-point advantage in the championship over Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.
According to the rules, a driver can drop no further than the back of the grid although Hamilton is joined by McLaren’s Fernando Alonso and Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson in incurring penalties.
The Briton said he did not yet know how the team would approach qualifying, given he will be at the back of the grid regardless.
“I don’t particularly care,” he added. “I’m just focusing on getting the car as well prepared for the race as possible. I can’t do anything about Nico. I’ll let him do him and me do me.”