Hamilton RELEGATED in Azerbaijan after late FIA penalty decision

Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix from the pitlane, after Mercedes changed his power unit after the car entered parc ferme conditions post-qualifying.

The Brit had qualified a somewhat disappointing seventh on Saturday, and that low starting position combined with Baku's history of throwing up at least one safety car during the race contributed to the decision to make the change – made necessary by a power unit issue in Australia earlier in the season.

F1 HEADLINES: Hamilton Ferrari debut announced as boss makes KEY decision over Ferrari

READ MORE: Red Bulls charge as Norris starts COMEBACK

Esteban Ocon will join Hamilton in starting from the pits after making a similar decision, having qualified down in 17th, leaving Alpine with an uphill struggle to score any points this weekend following Pierre Gasly's qualifying disqualification for a fuel flow rate violation.

Hamilton's relegation promotes Lando Norris to 15th, a small boost for the title challenger after a disastrous Saturday which saw him only set the 17th fastest time in Q1.

READ MORE: FIA DISQUALIFY F1 star at Azerbaijan GP

Why is Lewis Hamilton starting from the pitlane?

The FIA's decision document read: "The Power Unit elements used are in excess of the permitted number for the 2024 Championship season. This is a breach of Article 28.2 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.

"Further, the parts have been replaced without the approval of the Technical Delegate, this being a breach of Article 40.3. Therefore Car 44 is required to start the Race from pit lane in accordance with Article 40.9.

"Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.

"Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented."

READ MORE: Ferrari star's crash prompts FIFTH red flag at chaotic Azerbaijan GP

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

FIA stewards explain decision over George Russell Italian Grand Prix investigation decision

• Yesterday 21:45

F1 Results Today: Final Italian Grand Prix positions and times at Monza

• Yesterday 17:10

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton rival hit with penalty as Toto Wolff blames Max Verstappen

• Yesterday 07:30

Lewis Hamilton piles blame on Charles Leclerc after Ferrari chaos at Italian Grand Prix

• Yesterday 20:58

F1 champion Nico Rosberg says Charles Leclerc deserved penalty for Lewis Hamilton incident

• Yesterday 19:55

Ferrari humiliated at Italian Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton F1 title chances suffer knockout blow

• Yesterday 17:55