Valtteri Bottas has been ruled out of the Australian Grand Prix with a back injury after failing FIA fitness tests.
Bottas complained of back pain during Q2 on Saturday, with hospital scans showing the Finn to have injured the lower part of his back. Following a night in hospital, Bottas had to face FIA tests in order to assess if he would be allowed to race.
Following evaluation from the FIA Medical Delegate, Bottas has been ruled out having failed the extraction test regarding how quickly he could exit the car unaided.
Williams says it will now try to make sure Bottas is fit to take part in the Malaysian Grand Prix in two weeks time.
"It can be confirmed that the scans revealed that Valtteri had suffered has a very small tear in the annular part of a disc in his lower back," Williams said in a statement.
"Valtteri has since been evaluated by the FIA’s medical team and following a series of tests the FIA Medical Delegate has deemed Valtteri unfit to take part in this afternoon’s race. The team respect the FIA’s decision and will now work with Valtteri ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix to ensure he receives the treatment required to get him back to full fitness."
The result means only 17 cars will start the Australian Grand Prix, with neither Manor running this weekend. Williams is unable to replace Bottas as he is the driver who qualified the car.
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