Six times world champion Lewis Hamilton was demoted from the front row to fifth on the starting grid for Formula One’s season opening Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday after a stewards’ review of his qualifying lap.
The Mercedes driver’s second place slot was cast into doubt shortly before the race when Red Bull called for stewards to review a decision to take no action against the Briton on Saturday.
The 35-year-old’s demotion means Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, winner in Austria at his team’s home track for the past two years, moves up to the front row with Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas on pole position.
McLaren’s Lando Norris will start third, his team’s highest grid position since 2016, and Red Bull’s Alex Albon fourth.
The stewards also handed Hamilton, who is bidding to equal Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s record seven titles this season, two penalty points.
They found that fresh on-board footage of Hamilton’s car had revealed a significant new element that was not available on Saturday.
“The new video footage clearly shows that a yellow light panel was flashing on the left side of the track in turn five,” they said in a statement.
“A green light panel was flashing at the end of marshalling sector nine.”
The stewards consequently decided to reverse their decision and impose the penalty.
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Verstappen revealed they will not “take a knee” against racism before the race.
Hamilton has claimed that division between his fellow drivers over the gesture, which is associated with the Black Lives Matter movement, is further proof of racism in Formula One.
But is understood that at least a quarter of the grid are uneasy about adopting the stance due to the political outlook of the BLM.
“I will not take the knee but this does not mean at all that I am less committed than others in the fight against racism,” said Leclerc, the first driver to publicly confirm his position on the matter.
“I believe that what matters are facts and behaviours in our daily life rather than formal gestures that could be seen as controversial in some countries.
“All 20 drivers stand united with their teams against racism and prejudice, at the same time embracing the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion, supporting Formula 1’s and FIA’s commitment.”
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen also confirmed he will not take a knee before the season opener in Austria.
The Dutchman wrote on Twitter: “I am very committed to equality and the fight against racism. But I believe everyone has the right to express themself (sic) at a time and in a way that suits them.
“I will not take the knee today but respect and support the personal choices every driver makes.”
