Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: F1 team slammed with FIA penalties for BOTH drivers

An image of Williams and McLaren bosses James Vowles and Zak Brown — Photo: © IMAGO

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

F1 team slammed with FIA penalties for BOTH drivers

Williams F1 team have been hit with a double penalty

By Sam Cook.

Friday 6 December 2024 23:00

A Formula 1 team have been hit with a double penalty at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend as the sport takes to the track for the final time this season.

F1 heads to the Yas Marina Circuit for the season finale, as the constructors' championship battle between McLaren and Ferrari comes to a head with just 21 points between them.

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Max Verstappen has already sealed the drivers' championship, while Red Bull are out of the battle for the championship double, but many other teams still have plenty to play for.

Alpine, Haas and VCARB are embroiled in a battle for sixth in the constructors' standings, a position that would come with a hefty financial boost for whichever team manages the feat.

Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto have both been handed FIA penalties

Williams F1 handed double FIA penalty

Franco Colapinto replaced Logan Sargeant midway through the season, and has impressed team principal James Vowles, but it has been a largely disappointing campaign for the Grove-based outfit.

Now, their chances of finishing the season on a high have taken another almighty blow, with both of their drivers set to be given penalties at the Abu Dhabi GP.

In an official document, the FIA announced that Williams have had to change the gearbox in both Colapinto and Alex Albon's car, with both drivers having reached their maximum gearbox usage.

This will trigger an automatic five-place grid penalty for both drivers, not helping Colapinto especially as he attempts to try and play himself into contention for a future full-time seat on the F1 grid.

Max Verstappen Ferrari Formula 1 McLaren Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Yas Marina Circuit