Kimi Raikkonen will be the fifth driver to be demoted on Sunday's Japanese GP grid with the Ferrari driver handed a five-spot drop following a gearbox change.

The Finn was caught out by the fast right-hand sweep through the pair of Degner corners, losing it in the second turn which sent into the gravel trap.

While the impact did not appear serious initially, it did inflict damage to the SF70H's gearbox and components around it.

Ahead of qualifying, the Scuderia's mechanics were hard at work replacing the transmission, with a race against time to have the car ready for the crucial 60-minute session.

Raikkonen joins fellow Finn Bottas, Jolyon Palmer, Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso on Sunday's grid penalty list.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Red Bull hit with Dutch GP reality check: ‘We’ve taken a step back’

Red Bull has been forced to confront an uncomfortable reality after the Dutch Grand Prix,…

10 minutes ago

Verstappen takes on 100 rivals in epic karting challenge

Next month, Max Verstappen will trade Formula 1 for something far closer to where his…

1 hour ago

Hamilton admits he crossed the line in Ferrari radio outburst

Lewis Hamilton has candidly admitted that his frustration boiled over during the Dutch Grand Prix…

3 hours ago

Colapinto penalty row escalates as FIA condemns abuse

The FIA has drawn a firm line under the backlash surrounding Franco Colapinto’s Dutch Grand…

18 hours ago

Stella: Norris still improving – something ‘clicked’ in 2025

Lando Norris is still finding new levels, and McLaren boss Andrea Stella believes the reigning…

19 hours ago

Mercedes confirms Antonelli grid penalty for Italian GP

Kimi Antonelli’s homecoming at Monza is set to begin with a painful handicap, as Mercedes…

21 hours ago