F1 star was demoted by the FIA ​​just hours before the Mexican Grand Prix

The FIA ​​​​has announced that a Formula 1 star will take part Mexican Grand Prix from the pit lane after his team made unauthorized changes to his car.

The 20th round of the 2024 season is scheduled to take place in Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City on Sunday, with battles set to continue in both the constructors' and drivers' championships.

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But just hours before the race, a Formula 1 star suffered a setback after his car was equipped with a new energy storage system (ES) and new control electronics (CE).

FIA punishes F1 star in Mexico

Crucially, these changes have not been approved by the sport's governing body, according to an official FIA document.

The punished driver is Alpine star Esteban Ocon, who will now start the race in Mexico City from the pits.

“These PU elements were replaced without the consent of the FIA ​​technical delegate,” the FIA ​​document states.

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“Therefore, in accordance with Article 40.9 of the 2024 Formula 1 Sports Regulations, the number 31 vehicle should now be obliged to start from the pit lane.”

While it is undoubtedly a setback, given his poor performance in qualifying on Saturday, it is not the worst blow Ocon will suffer in his career.

The Frenchman only qualified 19th for Sunday's racewhich means he won't have too much catching up to do to get back to where he would have been had he not been punished.

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