Valtteri Bottas has been slapped with a three-place grid penalty and points deduction for 'dangerous driving' in the pitlane, that saw the Mercedes driver spin and almost collide with a team of McLaren mechanics.
With his future at Mercedes is in doubt, the Styrian Grand Prix could be the right place to turn around his season on a track that suits him.
However, the Finnish driver's Formula One weekend began with yet another disappointment on Friday when he tried 'something different' in the second practice and almost causing an accident.
Valtteri Bottas has received a three-place grid penalty for spinning in the pitlane during practice at the Styrian Grand Prix
The Mercedes driver tried 'something different' but lost control of his car in the pitlane
After a tire change, Bottas tried to leave in second gear but lost control of his Mercedes because of extra wheel spin. The car spun but Bottas managed to steer clear of a group of McLaren mechanics in front of the next box.
Bottas, fourth and 12th, was summoned to stewards after the incident which left onlookers stunned. The McLaren pit crew assisted Mercedes in helping a red-faced Bottas recover from his curious predicament, but then complained to FIA director Michael Masi.
'Michael, that's absolutely ridiculous,' said McLaren team manager Paul James. 'He could have taken our guys out there, and the pit wall.' Masi was in agreement, with Bottas called to see the stewards.
Bottas, who said he had tried 'something different' in getting out of the box, was also given two penalty points for potentially dangerous driving.
The McLaren pit crew assisted Mercedes in helping a red-faced Bottas recover from his spin
Bottas is pushed back onto the road by rival team mechanics after spinning off in the pitlane
During the first practice, Bottas showed glimpses of his best racing when he clocked the fastest times in the first two sections, before exceeding the track limits in the final corner which made his lap time invalid.
The mishaps reflect his season so far.
A combination of his own mistakes, poor strategy calls by the team, and sheer bad luck has
