Hamilton confirms five-place grid penalty for Chinese GP

The British Mercedes driver has finished second and third to start the F1 season and his chances of winning in China have been dealt a blow due to a gearbox change.

Hamilton confirmed he was set for a penalty in Sunday's race as he continues preparations for the weekend.

"This weekend is going to be tough," he wrote on Instagram.

"I will start with a five-place grid penalty due to a gearbox change but because of you guys I feel energised, motivated, and confident that we can regain ground lost."

Mercedes confirmed the penalty via Twitter, saying Shanghai was the ideal place to take it.

Hamilton is a record four-time winner in China, including going back-to-back in 2014 and 2015, but takes the penalty after problems in Bahrain.