Bottas avoids grid penalty in Australia after new rules deem it no longer valid

[p]Bottas was served the five-place grid penalty for causing a collision with Kevin Magnusson at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix when driving for Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber.[/p][p]That remains the Finn's most recent F1 race, as he played no part in the 2025 season, leaving the penalty hanging over him for more than a year.[/p][p]Last year, the FIA brought in new rules that stated such penalties would only be enforced for a 12-month period, yet as Bottas was punished under the old rules, there was some suggestion that he would still be beginning the Melbourne race five places further back than his qualifying result.[/p][p][b]However, it has finally been confirmed - a day before practice in Australia begins - that the 36-year-old will not be penalised.[/b][/p][p]Taking to Instagram, Bottas cheerfully explained: [b]"I've got some good news for you! You know my five-place grid penalty? It's gone! With the new regulations, it's vanished! Happy days."[/b][/p][embed guid="6c3d4f87-3479-49ad-9441-e51e91f6e926" url="https://www.instagram.com/valtteribottas/reel/DVfD0-MAvi0/" social-type="instagram" /][p]The Nastola man is about to embark on his 13th season on the grid as the Finnish flag makes its return to F1. Bottas will be alongside Mexican Sergio Perez in the Cadillac livery, as the American team makes its first appearance in the sport since 1953.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.com/auto-racing/formula-1/"][b]Follow the 2026 Formula 1 season on Flashscore[/b][/a][/p]