Valtteri Bottas is unlikely to serve the five-place grid penalty he received at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, following a recent change to the Formula 1 sporting regulations.
The Finn, who has been heavily linked with a comeback in 2026 with Cadillac, was originally expected to carry the sanction into his next race start.
Under last year’s rules, grid penalties carried over indefinitely until served. However, the updated 2026 sporting code has revised that process since he last competed.
Article B1.10.4g now stipulates that grid penalties must be served within 12 months of being issued. If a driver does not start a race within that period, the penalty automatically expires.
As Bottas is unlikely to compete during 2025, the sanction will lapse before he potentially lines up on the grid in Australia 2026.
That would clear the way for him to begin life with General Motors’ works entry without a hangover from his Sauber days to contend with.
A clean slate for Bottas as potential Cadillac F1 debut nears
The change brings greater clarity to the rulebook and ensures returning drivers or new teams are not hindered by incidents that took place seasons earlier.
For Bottas, it could mean a clean slate as he looks set to spearhead one of the most intriguing storylines of 2026 – Cadillac’s ambitious arrival on the F1 grid.
Currently with Mercedes as a reserve driver, Bottas is widely reported to have agreed terms with the new American outfit.
At 35, the 10-time Grand Prix winner would bring valuable experience and proven race-winning pedigree to the team.
Reports indicate that he could be unveiled as a Cadillac driver as early as next week, when F1 returns from its summer break at the Dutch Grand Prix.
READ MORE – Valtteri Bottas reportedly set to make F1 return with Cadillac
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