Valtteri Bottas has been forced to withdraw from the Australian Grand Prix after being deemed unfit to race with his back inju𒆙ry.

The Finn hurt his back during the Q2 phase of qualifying, but though he would go on to plac🍬e the Williams sixth 🌳on the grid, he would be transferred to hospital for further checks, where he remained overnight

Returning🃏 to Albert Park to undergo further checks by the FIA doctors, which would ultimately decide whether he could race, the decision was taken to withdraw from the season opener.

"It can be confirmed that the scans revealed that Valtteri had suffered has a very small tear in the annular part of a disc in his lower back.

"Valtteri has since been evaluated by tꦗhe FIA's medical team and fo♐llowing a series of tests the FIA Medical Delegate has deemed Valtteri unfit to take part in this afternoon's race.

"The team respect the 🃏FIA's decision and will now work with Valtteri ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix to ensure he receives the treatment required to get him bꦰack to full fitness."

The absence of Bottas - who finished fourth overall last season - means just 17 cars will start today's Australian Grand🍸 Prix.

It also means everyone from Dan🐽iel Ricciardo beyond will move up a spot, with the Australian now sixth, from Carlos Sainz, Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado, while Felipe Nasr and Max Verstappen make their F1 debuts from 10th and 11th.