Hamilton determined to 'minimise impact' of grid-penalty at Belgian GP

Despite taking an engine penalty that will see him start from the back of the grid in the Belgian Grand Prix, reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton has insisted winning at Spa-Francorchamps circuit will remain his primary motive on Sunday.

"In terms of winning that is the goal, but it is going to be very, very hard," Hamilton was quoted as saying by the Daily Express. "I will do everything I can to minimise the impact that the penalty will have, and beyond that I plan to continue with the momentum I had before the break."

The Mercedes driver, who is one victory shy of 50 career wins, will take a 30-place grid penalty for having changed too many engine parts during the opening rounds of the season.

Hamilton, who has won six of the past seven races, is currently leading his Mercedes teammate Rosberg by 19 points in the points table.

Former McLaren driver John Watson holds the record of winning from the lowest start slot after lining up in 22nd on the grid of 26 competitors before winning the 1983 United States Grand Prix.