The starting grid for the São Paulo Formula 1 Grand Prix race will have changes compared to the qualifying results, due to penalties imposed on three drivers – George Russell (Mercedes) and the Alpines of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. Each will lose two positions compared to the result.
The three drivers were found guilty by the commissioners of infractions of a specific rule for the Brazilian round. The race director’s notes stipulate that any driver who tries to create space for the one in front during qualifying must stay as far left as possible at the exit of the pit lane.
It turns out that in Q1, Russell drove slowly at the pit lane exit and Gasly complained of being blocked, with the commissioners considering that the British driver was not as far left as possible. Subsequently, Gasly and Ocon themselves incurred a similar infraction, but the blocked driver was Sergio Pérez (Red Bull).
With these admonitions, Russell will start in eighth, while Ocon and Gasly will line up in 14th and 15th, respectively.
