Form🃏ula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has been handed two five-second time penalties for a practice start violation ahead of the Russian Grand Prix.

Hamilton started from pole position after he topped qualifying for the 96t﷽h time in his career on Saturday, beating Max Verstappen an🤪d Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas by over half a second, and is currently leading the race.

The Briton appeared to complete a practice start at the very end of the pit lane exit at Sochi, outside♕ of the “designated area”. Other drivers were seen overtaking Hamilton as they e𝔉xited the pits.

Hamilton has been handed t🌌wo separate fivജe-second time penalties, one for his practice start and one for a second illegal start.

♓Drivers are only allowed to complete practice starts at pit🅠 exit for safety reasons.

The guidance issued to drivers states: “Practice starts may only be carried out on the rig🀅ht-hand si𝔍de after the pit exit lights and, for the avoidance of doubt, this includes any time the pit exit is open for the race. Drivers must leave adequate room on their left for another driver to pass.

“For reasons of safety and sporting equity, cars may not stop in the fast lane at any time the pit exit is open without a justifiable reason (a practice startಞ is not considered a justifiable reason𝔍).”

It marks a massive blow to ꦛHamilton’s chances of equalling Michael Schumacher’s all-time wins record of 91 grand prix victories.

Hamilton held a 55-point lead over Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottaꦫs in the championship standings heading into th꧟e race.