SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Australian Daniel Ricciardo and Mexican Sergio Perez have become the first Formula One drivers to be reprimanded under a new rule requiring timely attendance at the pre-race national anthem ceremony. The sanctions, while nothing to do with actions on the track, could have championship ramifications with three reprimands in a season triggering an automatic 10 place grid penalty for the next race. The penalty is only imposed, however, if at least two of the three reprimands were imposed for a driving infringement. Force India's Perez has now collected two reprimands from two races, his first a driving offence during qualifying in Australia last month. The requirement that all drivers attend the pre-race national anthem ceremony was written into this year's sporting regulations after pressure from former commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Source: The Star April 09, 2017 11:37 UTC