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Lewis Hamilton picked up a double penalty before the Russian Grand Prix had even begun after performing a practice start out of position in the build-up.
Hamilton, who started from pole position, pulled over to the right-hand side towards the end of the pitlane during the period of reconnaissance laps to the grid.
Race control noted the incident and said Hamilton was under investigation for performing a practice start outside of the designated area.
Early in the race, the stewards then announced that he had incurred two five-second time penalties for the infringement.
Practice starts must be done in a space to the right-hand side immediately after the pitlane exit lights.
For reasons of “safety and sporting equity”, cars may not stop in the fast lane at any time the pit exit is open without a justifiable reason and “a practice start is not considered a justifiable reason”.
The stewards’ full ruling has not yet been released, but if Hamilton is given licence points for each incident, it will take him to two points away from a race ban.
It would take his tally to 10 points, all of which remain until mid-November.
Hamilton can equal Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 wins with victory at Sochi.
