F1 LIVE: Driver taken to medical center as Lewis Hamilton HAMMERED with late FIA penalty at Azerbaijan GP
Express Sport brings you the latest news from the world of F1 as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend gets underway.
The build-up to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has been dominated by news off the track this week. Adrian Newey’s confirmed move to Aston Martin has sent shockwaves through F1, with speculation now rife that Max Verstappen could be following him through the door.
However, the Dutchman’s primary focus this week though will be maintaining his grip on the drivers’ championship. He is 62 points clear of Lando Norris, but with eight races to go the gap is closing with McLaren currently superior in pace.
The British team are also now just eight points behind Red Bull in the Constructors’ race. And the first indication of who will be superior this weekend will come at 10.30am BST, when FP1 gets underway in Baku.
Hamilton HAMMERED with late FIA penalty at Azerbaijan GP
The Brit had qualified a somewhat disappointing seventh on Saturday, and that low starting position combined with Baku’s history of throwing up at least one safety car during the race contributed to the decision to make the change – made necessary by a power unit issue in Australia earlier in the season.
Esteban Ocon will join Hamilton in starting from the pits after making a similar decision, having qualified down in 17th, leaving Alpine with an uphill struggle to score any points this weekend following Pierre Gasly’s qualifying disqualification for a fuel flow rate violation.
Hamilton’s relegation promotes Lando Norris to 15th, a small boost for the title challenger after a disastrous Saturday which saw him only set the 17th fastest time in Q1.
Why is Lewis Hamilton starting from the pitlane?
The FIA’s decision document read: “The Power Unit elements used are in excess of the permitted number for the 2024 Championship season. This is a breach of Article 28.2 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.
“Further, the parts have been replaced without the approval of the Technical Delegate, this being a breach of Article 40.3. Therefore Car 44 is required to start the Race from pit lane in accordance with Article 40.9.
“Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.
“Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.”
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