Williams: Penalized, Bottas drops to 15th on the grid
The Williams mechanics had to change the gearbox of Valtteri Bottas's car a few hours before the race. The Finn consequently received a five-place grid penalty.
The tough qualifying session of the United States Grand Prix, held under an unusual rain for the track, did not spare the mechanics of car No. 77, that of Valtteri Bottas. The Finn experienced a rear suspension problem at the end of Q2.
This problem apparently forced the Grove team to change their driver’s gearbox. In accordance with current regulations, they received a five-place grid penalty.
Qualified in 12th place, Valtteri Bottas would therefore have started from the 17th position. However, as both Ferrari cars of Vettel and Räikkönen are also penalized, this time for an engine change, the Williams driver will finally start from the 15th position.
