New Delhi, Oct 2: McLaren's Jenson Button will drop five places on the grid at the start of the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix Oct 7 due to a gearbox change.
Teammate Lewis Hamilton retired from the lead during the Singapore Grand Prix Sep 23 with a transmission issue. Post-race check-ups on Button's car have uncovered an identical problem, according to the official Formula One website.
"Both cars must start the Japanese Grand Prix with new gearboxes which means that Jenson will receive a five-place penalty," said McLaren technical director Paddy Lowe.
Button is sixth in the driver's championship table with 119 points, 75 behind leader Fernando Alonso of Ferrari and 23 behind Hamilton, who escapes a penalty as he did not finish in Singapore.
