Stewards Investigated Valtteri Bottas for Overtake
Valtteri Bottas faces a steward hearing regarding an alleged yellow flag overtake during Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Motorsports
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Formula 1 stewards have launched an investigation into Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas for allegedly overtaking under yellow flag conditions. The incident took place during the opening practice session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.
Why it matters
Overtaking under yellow flags is a significant breach of racing regulations designed to ensure track safety during dangerous conditions. Stewards must now determine if the maneuver occurred in violation of race rules.
Valtteri Bottas finished the practice session in 22nd place, trailing Lance Stroll who placed 21st. The driver's highest performance so far this season remains a 13th-place finish during the March race in China.
The players
Valtteri Bottas
He is a veteran Formula 1 driver currently competing for the Cadillac team.
Marcin Budkowski
He was appointed as the new team principal for Cadillac during the 2026 summer break.
Carlos Sainz
He is an active Formula 1 driver who encountered a mechanical fire in the pit lane during the session.
Graeme Lowdon
He is the former team principal for Cadillac who was replaced during the summer of 2026.
The details
The investigation centers on a potential breach of safety protocols during the practice session in Baku. Alongside this inquiry, the session saw Carlos Sainz deal with a separate incident involving a pit lane brake fire.
Timeline
March 2026: Valtteri Bottas secured his season-best 13th place finish in China.
Summer 2026: Cadillac management replaced team principal Graeme Lowdon with Marcin Budkowski.
September 24, 2026: The opening practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix took place.
13:50 local time, September 24, 2026: The scheduled steward hearing for Bottas and the Cadillac representative.
Season Trajectory
This investigation adds further pressure to a Cadillac team that has struggled to score points throughout the 2026 season. With recent leadership changes, the squad is under scrutiny as it attempts to improve its standing in a highly competitive mid-field.
A potential penalty from the stewards could result in a grid drop for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix race. If penalized, the driver will face a compromised starting position that may further complicate Cadillac's search for its first points of the season.
The takeaway
Adhering to safety signals remains a fundamental requirement for all drivers to avoid strict disciplinary action from officials. Teams must ensure their drivers strictly respect track conditions to avoid compromising their weekend results.
Further reading
For more news from the track, visit the Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by F1 News by PlanetF1.
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