Button, Barrichello, Alonso, Sutil, Buemi all penalized!

Five Formula 1 drivers have been penalized for not lifting off during a yellow flag period in the Japanese Grand Prix qualifying session. Championship leader Jenson Button, his teammate Rubens Barrichello, Renault driver Fernando Alonso, Adrian Sutil for Force India, and Sébastien Buemi in the Toro Rosso each received a five-place grid penalty.

The race stewards determined that the first four drivers previously mentioned did not slow down sufficiently at the end of Q2 during Buemi’s second accident, leaving behind piles of debris including his entire front wing.

The Brawn GP boss, Ross Brawn, stated about his drivers that they did not slow down at all: « No, they stalled to avoid the wing but did not cut their flight, no, » stated Brawn.

The Swiss Buemi was also reprimanded by the stewards for bringing his car back to the pits while it was damaged and, in the process, obstructing other drivers.

Button had previously qualified in seventh position, Barrichello in fifth position, Alonso in 12th position, Sutil in fourth place, and Buemi in 10th position.

Here are the starting positions for the 20 drivers:

Drivers who received a five-place grid penalty.

Drivers who received a five-place grid penalty for a gearbox change.

Drivers starting from the pits due to the use of a new chassis.