P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The grid penalty rule that threatens to scupper the F1 return of Valtteri Bottas has been branded ‘ridiculous’ by former World Champion Damon Hill.
Former World Champion Damon Hill has criticized the grid penalty rule affecting Valtteri Bottas’ Formula 1 comeback as ‘ridiculous’.
After leaving Mercedes in 2025, Bottas is returning to the sport with the new team Cadillac following the loss of his seat with Sauber in 2024.
Joining forces with fellow veteran Sergio Perez, Cadillac will become F1’s first 11th team in a decade.
However, Bottas will face a five-place grid penalty from his last Grand Prix, which occurred due to a collision with Kevin Magnussen in the Abu Dhabi GP.
Although recent rule changes state penalties need not be served if older than 12 months, Bottas’ penalty predates this adjustment, requiring him to still serve it.
