Raikkonen Receives Grid Penalty after FP3 Crash Leads to Gearbox Change

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief

Kimi Raikkonen’s shunt in final practice has led to a gearbox from Ferrari and a five-place grid penalty for the Japanese Grand Prix.

The 37-year-old Finn lost control of his SF70Hwhile running through the pair of Degner corners when he lost control at the second part and slid off into the gravel trap and ultimately the wall. The heavy damage to his left rear was enough to end his session and provide Ferrari mechanics a busy task before qualifying.

Regulations state that the each unit must last six consecutive events and because the gearbox had not, is reason for the penalty.

Raikkonen is one of the many that have been hit with gird penalties this weekend, with Valtteri Bottas also being assessed a five-place penalty for a gearbox change. Jolyon Palmer will endure a 20-place penalty after Renault changed out his engine. Carlos Sainz will take a 25-place penalty and Fernando Alonso will serve a 35-place penalty after a power unit change.