F1 Belgian GP: Mercedes' Hamilton set to take grid penalty

After using five MGU-H and turbo components in the first half of the season, Hamilton was always aware a penalty would occur at some point after the summer break.

Autosport understands Mercedes has decided that penalty will be taken for the race at Spa-Francorchamps, given the nature of the circuit and the possibilities for overtaking.

It is believed Mercedes will replace both the MGU-H and turbo, along with other components, effectively providing Hamilton with a fresh power unit to help him get through the remaining nine races of the campaign.

Under FIA regulations, the sixth use of a component incurs a 10-place penalty, which means Hamilton is poised to drop 20 places on Sunday.

Hamilton had suggested there was the prospect Mercedes would 'double up' and provide him with two new power units at one race weekend, building up a stash of systems.

Details on whether Mercedes has taken such an approach have not yet emerged.

Hamilton enters the weekend with a 19-point lead over team-mate Nico Rosberg.

The 31-year-old ended the first half of the campaign on a roll by winning six of seven races, including all four grands prix in July.