Sauber F1 driver Zhou Guanyu has been handed a 20-place grid penalty for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The decision came after the introduction of unauthorized components to Guanyu’s car, specifically a third Energy Store (ES) and third Control Electronics (CE), which is a breach of Article 28.2 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.
The cumulative infraction results in a 20-position grid penalty dictated by the specific rule that exceeding two instances of unauthorized component changes incurs 10 positions for each, thus necessitating a start from the back as per Article 42.3 (d). As the stewards noted, Guanyu is “required to start the Race from the back of the starting grid.”
The official documentation from the stewards clearly details the infringement. The letter states:
“No / Driver: 24 – Zhou Guanyu
“Competitor: Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber
“Fact: The following Power Unit elements have been used: 3rd Energy Store (ES), 3rd Control Electronics (CE)
“Infringement: Breach of Article 28.2 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.
“Decision: Required to start the Race from the back of the starting grid.
“Reason: The penalty is imposed in accordance with Article 28.3.The use of each additional element in this case carries a 10 grid place penalty, therefore there is an accumulation of 20 places. Article 42.3 d) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations provides that a driver which has accrued more than 15 cumulative grid position penalties must start from the back of the grid.
“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.”
The Chinese driver’s placement at the back of the grid presents a formidable challenge for the Sauber team. Now, as the team heads into Qualifying later today, Guanyu’s performance will not alter his starting position for the race.
This adds to the ongoing challenging year which the team has faced. Neither Guanyu or his teammate Valtteri Bottas have managed to score any points up to this point, leaving the team at the bottom of the Constructors’ Standings.
2024 F1 Constructors’ Standings
1. Red Bull Racing – 446 points2. McLaren – 438 points3. Ferrari – 407 points4. Mercedes – 292 points5. Aston Martin – 74 points6. VCARB – 34 points7. Haas – 28 points8. Alpine – 13 points9. Williams – 6 points10. Sauber – 0 points
2024 F1 Drivers’ Standings
1. Max Verstappen – 303 points2. Lando Norris – 241 points3. Charles Leclerc – 217 points4. Oscar Piastri – 197 points5. Carlos Sainz – 184 points6. Lewis Hamilton – 164 points7. Sergio Perez – 143 points8. George Russell – 128 points9. Fernando Alonso – 50 points10. Lance Stroll – 24 points11. Nico Hulkenberg – 22 points12. Yuki Tsunoda – 22 points13. Daniel Ricciardo – 12 points14. Pierre Gasly – 8 points15. Oliver Bearman – 6 points16. Kevin Magnussen – 6 points17. Alex Albon – 6 points18. Esteban Ocon – 5 points19. Zhou Guanyu – 0 points20. Logan Sargeant – 0 points21. Franco Colapinto – 0 points22. Valtteri Bottas – 0 points
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