Valtteri Bottas hit with three-place grid penalty ahead of Brazilian Grand Prix

Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Williams attends the drivers press conference during previews for the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit on October 31, 2013
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Valtteri Bottas is given a three-place grid penalty after an illegal overtake during the second practice session of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Williams driver Valtteri Bottas has been given a three-place grid penalty at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Finn passed Felipe Nasr while under red flag conditions during practice two while Fernando Alonso's McLaren was being recovered from the side of the track after engine failure.

A steward's panel concluded that Bottas could have avoided the overtake and gave the driver the penalty.

"The driver of car #77 [Bottas] admitted he overtook car #12 [Nasr] under red flags," a statement said.

"The stewards, in applying the penalty, took into consideration that despite the considerable speed difference between the cars, the driver of car #77 could have avoided overtaking under the red flag."

The 26-year-old is currently fourth in the drivers' championship with 126 points.

Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and Ferrari walks across the paddock during practice for the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit on April 17, 2015
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