P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas is unlikely to serve the five-place grid penalty he received at the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP, following a recent change to the F1 sporting regulations.
Valtteri Bottas is unlikely to serve the five-place grid penalty he received at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, following a recent change to the Formula 1 sporting regulations. The Finn, who has been heavily linked with a comeback in 2026 with Cadillac, was originally expected to carry the sanction into his next race start. Under last year’s rules, grid penalties carried over indefinitely until served. However, the updated 2026 sporting code has revised that process since he last competed. Article B1.10.4g now stipulates that grid penalties must be served within 12 months of being issued. If a driver does not start a race within that period, the penalty automatically expires. As Bottas is unlikely to compete during 2025, the sanction will lapse before he potentially lines up on the grid in Australia 2026. That would clear the way for him to begin life with General Motors’ works entry without a hangover from his Sauber days to contend with.
