Why it matters: Valtteri Bottas's impending return to Formula 1 in 2026 with Cadillac is overshadowed by a five-place grid penalty from the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Despite recent rule changes regarding penalty expiry, the FIA confirms Bottas must still serve it.The big picture: Bottas received the penalty after a collision with Kevin Magnussen while driving for Sauber. As he won't be on the grid in 2025, the penalty remains unserved. New regulations state that unserved grid penalties expire after 12 months, raising questions about its application to Bottas.The details: GPblog sought clarification from the FIA. A spokesperson stated, "Currently the penalty will stand, as there is no mechanism to retroactively amend the penalty, that was applied under the regulations in force at the time. The change of regulation is intended to avoid similar anomalous situations in future."This means Bottas will start his first race back with Cadillac in 2026 with a five-place grid drop.While Bottas's move to Cadillac for 2026 is widely reported, an official announcement is still pending. The identity of his teammate remains unclear, with Sergio Perez often mentioned, though no official agreement is in place.
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