F1 LIVE: Lewis Hamilton set for penalty as FIA confirm controversial rule changes
F1 LIVE: Lewis Hamilton set for penalty as FIA confirm controversial rule changes
It could prove to be a big weekend for Lewis Hamilton, who endured the frustration of a sixth-placed finish in Monza at the start of the month before a brake failure caused him to DNF in the Spanish GP. While he and Ferrari look to gain some momentum, new controversial rule changes for the 2027 campaign are on their way. An update has been filed by the FIA regarding the new rules, which are set to be imposed. Express Sport will be over this and more throughout today.
Azerbaijan GP schedule
Free Practice 1 – Thursday September 24 – 9.30 – 10.30
Free Practice 2 – Thursday September 24 – 1pm – 2pm
Free Practice 3 – Friday September 25 – 9.30 – 10.30
Qualifying – Friday September 25 – 1pm – 2pm
Race – Saturday September 26 – 12pm – 2pm
Azerbaijan GP set for huge alteration
The Azerbaijan GP in Baku is set to be significantly altered. Typically, F1 GPs take place on the Sunday.
However, the race has been brought forward a whole 24 hours, meaning it will instead take place on Saturday. Orgnaisers made the request so it did not take place on the Azeri Day of Rememberance, which takes place on September 27th.
New controversial FIA rule changes set for next year
There will be big changes coming to F1 next year, the FIA has confirmed after the latest F1 Commission meeting.
Firstly, there will be an end to the rule of a maximum two-hour race to be held in a tree-hour window, which will grant more leeway if a race is interrupted.
The overall race distance has also been reduced from 305km to 290 km, except from the Monaco GP which will remain at 260km.
The previously agreed changes to power unit structure for next year is behind the decision, after the 2026 regulations prompted huge criticism. It’s understood this change will enable drivers to hit full throttle more often in each lap.
Gearbox homoglation has also been removed for next year;s campaign with the Sporting Advisory Committee stating it will “preserve supplier development freedom.
Lewis Hamilton braces himself for penalty after frustrating fortnight
Lewis Hamilton will have to start from the back of the grid, however, he will not do so in Baku. Charles Leclerc will have to begin the Azerbaijan GP from the back as a result of a new power unit upgrade being put in.
Hamilton’s car is also in need of another which will mean a penalty. However, Ferrari do not want to have both drivers starting at the back this weekend.
To avoid this, they will coordinate their power-unit changes by making Leclerc start this weekend at the back first, while Hamilton’s is expected his to take place either at the Brazilian GP in November or the Mexican GP the week before.
