Overview
- Article B2.5.4 now limits unserved grid penalties considered at grid formation to those imposed in the previous 12 months, up to a total of 15 places.
- Bottas announced the change on Instagram and reiterated it in Melbourne’s press conference, with media reports citing FIA confirmation that he will start where he qualifies.
- The original sanction stemmed from the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where retirement prevented a drive-through from being served and stewards converted it to a five-place drop.
- After spending 2025 as Mercedes’ reserve, Bottas returns with new entrant Cadillac and begins his comeback without a carry‑over grid demotion.
- Reporting indicates the updated interpretation could also invalidate other outstanding grid drops outside the 12‑month window, including Robert Shwartzman’s previously noted penalty.