Hamilton jokes about engine change: 'I don't think they're even here'

Because of the delay of Valtteri Bottas not the Finn but teammate Lewis Hamilton is the first to attend the press conferences in Brazil. The biggest issue concerning Hamilton is of course the possible engine change which is once again the subject of rumours in the paddock.

When the seven-time world champion is asked about his upcoming engine change, he nicely refers to the problems with the freighters. "I can't say anything about that at the moment. I don't think the engines are even there", it can be read on Motorsport-Magazin.com Many teams are currently still without much of their equipment or even their cars.

"I'd rather not get a penalty," Hamilton continued in a more serious tone. According to the Mercedes driver, the engine is still ok. "As far as I know..." Engine change or not, Hamilton faces a tough weekend anyway. "Red Bull were very strong here before, so we don't expect it to be easy. Our car is difficult to tune and we only have one practice session."

Brazil will see qualifying on Friday and the third and final sprint race of the season on Saturday. Hamilton doubts the sprint race will work in his favour. "That doesn't play into your cards either if they [Red Bull] are faster," he said. Hamilton is nineteen points behind Max Verstappen in the battle for the world title after Mexico.