P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The good news continues to roll in for the Cadillac F1 team and new recruit Valtteri Bottas, who likely will not have to serve his existing grid penalty when he joins the American squad.
Valtteri Bottas may not have to serve the five-place grid penalty he received at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix when he returns to the grid next year. The 10-time Grand Prix winner is expected to be announced imminently as a Cadillac F1 driver for the 2026 season, following news that he has signed with the newest team in the championship. Bottas incurred the penalty during his final race with Stake, which came before his year on the sidelines as Mercedes’ test and reserve driver. After locking up heavily while defending against Kevin Magnussen at the Yas Marina Circuit, Bottas was handed the penalty for the next race he would compete in. Recent FIA sporting regulations stipulate that grid penalties must be served within 12 months of being issued, raising questions about Bottas’ obligation to serve it upon his return. However, it is anticipated that the penalty will likely be removed, unless Bottas fills in for George Russell or Kimi Antonelli before 9 December 2025, paving the way for a penalty-free start to his Cadillac stint at the Australian Grand Prix.
