Liam Lawson hit with first penalty of Abu Dhabi GP

Liam Lawson has been handed a five-second time penalty by Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stewards for "driving erratically."

The Racing Bulls driver received the penalty for a clash with Haas's Oliver Bearman in the opening stages of the race at Turn 8. 

Battling for position, the duo were running just ahead of Lewis Hamilton as Bearman attempted to pass into the chicane at the end of the main straight. 

Lawson stayed ahead into the sweeping Turn 9, with the two placed under investigation, although the precise cause of the penalty was not initially forthcoming.

However, drivers are only permitted to make a change of direction once when defending and cannot excessively weave.

Lawson is to serve the penalty at his first pit-stop, and has cycled up to P6 on Lap 19, including going side-by-side with title contender Lando Norris at Turn 9 after Norris's stop from a title-winning third place.

Max Verstappen leads from Oscar Piastri.