FIA announce major PENALTY for F1 star at Las Vegas Grand Prix

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Las Vegas Grand Prix

FIA announce major PENALTY for F1 star at Las Vegas Grand Prix

A huge penalty has already been issued by the FIA at Las Vegas

Matthew Hobkinson Lead Editor

F1 Editor & Journalist

Friday 22 November 2024 08:42 Updated: 20:28

The FIA have had a busy start to the Las Vegas Grand Prix race weekend, as they have already slapped one Formula 1 star with a major penalty for the upcoming race.

All eyes turn to Sin City this weekend as F1 arrives for the first of a triple-header to conclude the 2024 season.

F1 HEADLINES: Verstappen in Las Vegas GP NIGHTMARE as FIA announce major penalty

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The drivers' championship is all but wrapped up, with Verstappen on the verge of securing his fourth title in as many seasons.

Max Verstappen is on the brink of a fourth F1 title

McLaren currently lead the way in the constructors' standings

But in the constructors' standings, it is all to play for still. McLaren currently hold top spot, with Ferrari breathing down their necks.

With millions of dollars up for grabs in prize money with each place gained, every point will be vital before the end of the season.

FIA issue Vegas grid penalty

That is especially the case for the teams at the lower end of the table, where one outfit have got off to a nightmare start in Vegas.

Sauber are without a single point to their name in 2024, and that looks set to stay that way this weekend after Valtteri Bottas was hit with a five-place grid penalty for lights out.

Valtteri Bottas has been hit with a five-place grid penalty in Vegas

Neither Bottas (R) or Zhou (L) have scored a point this season

The Finn exceeded his limits on power unit components allowed, taking a fourth energy store, above the permitted amount per driver for a season.

The 35-year-old will therefore have to start five places further back on the grid than his qualifying position, making Sauber's search for a first F1 point this year an even taller ask.

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