F1 star set for PENALTY at Las Vegas Grand Prix

Zhou Guanyu, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas at Australian Grand Prix 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

Las Vegas Grand Prix

F1 star set for PENALTY at Las Vegas Grand Prix

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

Originally written by Matthew Hobkinson. This version is a translation.

Friday 22 November 2024 23:00

The FIA could be set for another hectic weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, after announcing a penalty for a driver midway through the first session of the weekend.

The final US race of the season kicked off on Thursday evening with FP1, drivers having to contend with a slippery and dusty track in the cold temperatures.

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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.

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.

Max Verstappen is on the brink of a fourth F1 title

McLaren currently lead the way in the constructors' standings

FIA issue Vegas grid penalty

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

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.

Mercedes McLaren FIA Las Vegas Grand Prix