Hamilton will start from grid after wrong FIA ruling

The stewards had announced that Hamilton would start from the pitlane after his Mercedes team broke a gearbox seal prior to the start of the race.

However, that ruling turned out to be wrong, and the stewards said a five-place grid penalty will be imposed instead.

Hamilton will thus start from 21st position, ahead of Fernando Alonso, who did not set a time in qualifying.

"After hearing from the Technical Delegate that the seal was removed under supervision, the removal of the seal was therefore not in breach of the Pre-Race Parc Ferme regulations," the FIA said.

"As per Article 23.6 e) the gearbox has therefore been changed, a five-place grid position penalty is imposed."