Valtteri Bottas hit with three-place grid penalty ahead of 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.