Williams rookie Lance Stroll has been given a five-place grid penalty for the 2017 Formula 1 season opener following a gearbox change.
The 18-year-old hit the wall exiting Turn 10 and brought out the red flag during the final minutes of Australian Grand Prix third practice, with the right-rear corner taking the brunt of the impact.
Stroll’s FP3 crash also damaged the suspension and front wing of the car, as well as the gearbox, which needs replacing.
A gearbox must be used for six consecutive races and if not, a penalty is awarded. The rule comes into force from third practice onwards.
It states: “Should a driver use a replacement gearbox he will drop five places on the starting grid at that Event and an additional five places each time a further gearbox is used.
“Any replacement gearbox will only be required to complete the remainder of the Event in question.”
It means Stroll will drop five places on the grid from wherever he qualifies at the Albert Park Circuit, if repairs can be done in time.
The Canadian will make his F1 debut in Australia, becoming the second youngest driver to ever start a race.
