Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton close to one-game ban after 2-points penalty in Russian GP

Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton close to one-game ban after 2-points penalty in Russian GP

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton in Sochi GP

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton is close to a one-match ban after piling up 2 more penalties points in the Sochi Grand Prix(GP). Hamilton started the race on pole position but faced two 5-second penalties for race start violations in the Russian GP. Consequently, his Mercedes co-driver Valteri Bottas won the race, and Redbull‘s Max Verstappen finished in the second position.

The Briton started the race looking for a record-equalling 91st Formula one win of his career to equal the record of the great Micheal Schumacher. However, his plans were ruined after he was handed over the 10-second time penalty.

 The incident happened in the practice race when Hamilton carried his practice start further down the pit exit, rather than the designated place.

FS Video

“This is just ridiculous,” Hamilton was heard over the team radio.

Hamilton has now accumulated 10 penalty points

Lewis Hamilton(right) in Sochi GP

In addition to the time penalties, Hamilton was awarded one penalty point for either of the incidents. Thus accumulating another 2 penalty points in his existing tally of 8 points. Formula one drivers are handed a one-game ban if they accumulate 12 penalty points in 12 months period.

He is just 2 points away from a the ban, as his penalty points remain intact until November. This means the 6 times formula one champion will have to be extra careful in the upcoming four races.

Penalty points for Lewis Hamilton this season

Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes in Austria
  • Brazilian Grand Prix 2019 – Collision with Alex Albon – 2 points
  • Austrian Grand Prix 2020– Failing to slow sufficiently for a yellow flag in qualifying – 2 points
  • Austrian Grand Prix 2020 – Collision with Alex Albon – 2 points
  • Italian Grand Prix 2020 – Entering the pit-lane when it was closed – 2 points
  • Russian Grand Prix 2020 – Two separate practice start violations – 2 points

Hamilton is eyeing to match Schumacher’s 91-wins record in the upcoming races. Although he will be in a risky scenario with one mistake could mean missing out from the next race.

Hamilton currently leads the Formula One title Championship with 6 wins and 205 points. His closest rival is teammate Valteri Bottas with 161 points.

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