Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton has been demoted to fifth on the starting grid for Formula 1’s Austrian Grand Prix.
Hamilton had qualified second but his quickest lap was set when yellow flags were shown – however marshals opposite were waving green flags, confusing the situation.
The stewards noted this and chose not to penalise Hamilton.
However on Sunday morning Red Bull protested the decision and the stewards reviewed the penalty decision, choosing to demote Hamilton by three-places, meaning he will start fifth.
“The Stewards acknowledged that the on-board footage of car 44 represents a significant new element that had not been available to the Stewards in the hearing on Saturday and therefore reviewed the case,” the stewards explained.
“The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 44 (Lewis Hamilton) and the team representative and have reviewed the new video evidence and telemetry evidences. The new video footage clearly shows that a yellow light panel was flashing on the left side of the track in turn 5.
“A green light panel was flashing at the end of marshalling sector 9. Taking into account these facts, the Stewards determine that decision 33 will be reversed and the above mentioned penalty is being imposed.”
The decision means Max Verstappen will start second behind Valtteri Bottas, with Lando Norris third and Alexander Albon fourth.
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