Lewis Hamilton is set to kick off the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku from the pitlane (the start is at 4:00 AM UST). The seven-time world champion has been penalized as his Mercedes team worked on his car under Parc Fermé conditions.
Mercedes has replaced several engine components: a new combustion engine, turbo, MGU-H, and MGU-K. For all these components, Hamilton is on his fifth instance of the season, while four is the maximum allowed number.
Normally, Hamilton would have received a grid penalty. However, since Mercedes made the changes under Parc Fermé without the approval of the FIA, Hamilton has been sentenced to start from the pitlane.
Esteban Ocon (Alpine) will also start from the pitlane for the same reason.
