Shwartzman Receives Grid Penalty Without Race Seat

Israeli driver Robert Shwartzman received a five-place Formula One grid penalty despite not having a race seat. The penalty was issued after Shwartzman, driving for Sauber in a practice session, overtook during waved yellow flags at the Mexico City GP. It applies to his next F1 race.

Israeli Formula One driver Robert Shwartzman has been handed a five-place grid penalty, even though he does not currently hold a race seat. The penalty, issued by the Mexico City Grand Prix stewards, comes after the 25-year-old Ferrari reserve driver infringed rules during practice.

Shwartzman was penalized for overtaking under yellow flag conditions during a session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. This occurred while he was fulfilling obligations for Ferrari-powered Sauber to run a young driver twice during the season.

The stewards, stating the reason for the penalty, acknowledged that Shwartzman does not have an upcoming race but emphasized maintaining consistency in their decisions.

(With inputs from agencies.)