The size of the penalty in terms of places is academic because a driver can only be demoted as far as the back of the grid.
Mercedes have exploited a loophole that exists in the regulations, in order to put as many new engine parts in the 'pool' for Hamilton. The idea is to put him in the best possible position for the remaining nine races of the season.
Mercedes knew they needed two more turbo/MGU-Hs at a minimum to complete those grands prix. And the way the penalty system works, that would have itself added up to a 30-place penalty (10 + 5 places for the first two; and again for the second two).
That already put him at the back. So there was no extra penalty in adding a sixth ICE and MGU-K and an eighth MGU-H/turbo, effectively giving him three completely new power units for the remaining races of the season
The size of the penalty in terms of places is academic because a driver can only be demoted as far as the back of the grid.Mercedes have exploited a loophole that exists in the regulations, in order to put as many new engine parts in the 'pool' for H