A back injury has forced Williams driver Valtteri Bottas out of the Australian Grand Prix.

Bottas qualified sixth fastest for Sunday’s race at Albert Park in Melbourne despite being troubled by lower-back pain.

The Finnish driver was taken to hospital after Saturday’s qualifying and had further tests on Sunday.

“Following a series of tests, the FIA Medical Delegate has deemed Valtteri Bottas unable to race today,” Williams said in a statement.

Bottas’ withdrawal reduces the field to 17 cars.