Lewis Hamilton handed 30-place grid penalty for Belgian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has admitted that it will be 'damage limitation' at the Belgian Grand Prix after he was handed a 30-place grid penalty.

The Mercedes driver was forced to make changes to his engine before each of Friday's two practice sessions, and the championship leader has acknowledged that it will be "very hard" for him to extend his 19-point advantage this weekend.

The 31-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "In terms of winning, that's the goal. It will be very hard.

"The gap has closed with the cars. Red Bull have been very quick in some races, and Ferrari, so it will be harder than last year to climb through the field but I will do everything I can.

"It is about minimising the damage of taking the penalty. It is a team sport. It is a growing experience for us and we have learnt a lot from the issues we had and hopefully we won't have them again."

Hamilton finished in second position during first practice before ending the second session in 13th place.