Offence Car 3 Impeding Car 31 In Turn 9
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix · 2022 · 27 March 2022 · Doc 40
- Driver
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Team
- McLaren F1 Team
- Session
- Qualifying
From The Stewards To The Team Manager,
McLaren F1 Team
Document 40
Date 27 March 2022
Time 00:18 2022 SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX 24 - 27 March 2022 The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (documents 35 & 36) and heard from the drivers and team representatives, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 3 - Daniel Ricciardo Competitor McLaren F1 Team Time 20:36 Session Qualifying Fact Impeding of Car 31 by Car 3 in turn 9 Offence Breach of Article 37.5 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. Decision Drop of 3 grid positions to Car 3 and a fine of €10,000 to the team. 1 Penalty point (1 point in a 12 month period) Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 3 (Daniel Ricciardo), the driver of Car 31 (Esteban Ocon) and team representatives, and examined video, team radio evidence and found that Car 3 impeded Car 31. The driver admitted that he did not know that Car 31 was coming on a fast lap as he was not told of that by his team. By the time he saw Car 31 approaching, it was too late. The team representative admitted that they had made an error in not warning their driver about Car 31 approaching. The driver of Car 31 stated that his lap had to be aborted as a result of him being unnecessarily impeded by Car 3. Having said that, he stated that his overall performance during the session was not adversely impacted by the aborted lap. It was clear that Car 31 was unnecessarily impeded by Car 3. The fact that Car 31 was ultimately able to record a faster lap is irrelevant to the fact that the infringement occurred, such that a timed lap had to be aborted. It was also clear that the team failed in its duty to keep the driver of Car 3 properly informed of approaching cars. This is particularly so given the tight nature of this circuit. In the circumstances, we impose a penalty of a drop of 3 grip positions to the driver of Car 3 and a fine of Euro 10,000 to the team. Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.