Lewis Hamilton will start the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from the pit lane after being penalised for exceeding the allowable power unit limit this season.
The seven-time world champion qualified seventh for Mercedes in Baku on Saturday, but was then forced to start from the pit lane after installing his fifth power unit of the season in his W15.
Mercedes confirmed the decision Sky Sports F1 Before the FIA made the announcement, the team explained that they knew they would need to bring in an additional power unit after Hamilton retired from the Australian Grand Prix in March with engine failure.
The FIA later confirmed the infringement, stating that Hamilton had changed his car setup, which alone would have resulted in a pit lane start.
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Lewis Hamilton suffered another difficult qualifying session and George Russell was content to settle for fifth place as Ferrari proved ‘always quick’ on the track.
Hamilton’s penalty further muddies the grid for Sunday’s race. On live Sky Sports F1 At noonTitle-seeking Lando Norris starts by coming down the field after his shocking exit in Q1.
Mercedes’ decision to penalise Hamilton gave Norris a slight boost, moving him up to 15th on the grid, two places from his original 17th place after Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was disqualified in qualifying.
With extended DRS zones providing more overtaking opportunities and a greater chance of safety car stops, Norris and Hamilton will have hopes of taking the race to victory and earning points.
Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, who was the last to qualify after a mistake that aggravated Norris’ concerns, will also start from the pit lane alongside Hamilton with his fifth power unit of the season.
Hamilton frustrated by continued Saturday struggles
Hamilton, who saw himself trail 13-4 in qualifying against Mercedes team-mate George Russell, expressed his frustration at not being able to get his tyres into their optimal operating range.
“The car was great yesterday, it felt good, and honestly I think it would have been at least second-row today. But then today, all of a sudden the tyres didn’t work all day,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1 after qualifying.
“It’s just a matter of tires. If you look at Williams, when the tires work, all of a sudden we’re there.
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Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz looks back at all the big talking points from Azerbaijan qualifying.
“But I’m doing everything I normally do and more. I’m trying everything on the tire. When we go out, most of the time the tire is under the window and I can’t lift it.
“Look at my last lap. It’s the fastest, but it’s at the end of the lap. Every Saturday I lose at least half a second to a second, and today I lost a second compared to yesterday.
“I do that every weekend. All I can do is work as hard as I can. I have to think positively and not let my mind wander.”
Live Azerbaijan GP schedule on Sky Sports F1
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Take a look back at some of the most dramatic moments that have taken place around the Baku City Circuit.
Sunday, September 15th
8:30am: F2 Feature Race
10:30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Azerbaijan GP Preparation*
12pm: Azerbaijan Grand Prix*
2pm: Checked Flag: Azerbaijan GP reaction
3pm: Ted’s Laptop
*Also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 heads to mainland Europe this weekend for the Baku and Azerbaijan Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership – no contract, cancel anytime
