Infringement Car 81 Impeding Of Car 20
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix · 2024 · 18 May 2024 · Doc 40
- Driver
- Oscar Piastri
- Team
- McLaren Formula 1 Team
- Session
- Qualifying
2024 EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX
17 - 19 May 2024
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
McLaren Formula 1 Team Document 40 Date 18 May 2024 Time 19:15
The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (documents 33 & 34) and heard from the drivers and team representatives, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 81 - Oscar Piastri Competitor McLaren Formula 1 Team Time 16:16 Session Qualifying Fact Car 81 unnecessarily impeded Car 20 in turn 2 / turn 3. Infringement Breach of Article 37.5 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. Decision Drop of 3 grid positions for the next Race in which the driver participates. Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 81 (Oscar Piastri), the driver of Car 20 (Kevin Magnussen), team representatives and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, team provided telemetry, team radio and in-car video evidence. Piastri was exiting the pits and Magnussen was on his fast lap. Piastri impeded Magnussen at the chicane at Turns 2 and 3. The Stewards accepted the explanation of Piastri that because of the layout of the circuit at that location, he could not see Magnussen until it was too late, at which time he tried to accelerate away in order to get clear of Magnussen as quickly as possible. Magnussen acknowledged that it was difficult for drivers to see cars behind in many portions of the track, including here. However, the Stewards reviewed the team radio and Piastri's team did not warn him of the much faster approaching car until Magnussen was too close for Piastri to do anything to safely avoid impeding. In fact there was an approximately 140km/h speed differential and Magnussen was only approximately 40-50m behind at the time and this meant that Piastri was in the middle of the chicane when Magnussen caught up directly behind Piastri. Further, it was clear that Magnussen was on a fast lap since his exit of Turn 19. The Stewards also reviewed where other drivers were warned of approaching cars and it was significantly earlier, and they were able to avoid impeding at Turn 2/3. Traffic management for slower cars is an extremely important part of the team/driver combination, particularly in Q1. In this instance the Stewards determine that the lack of sufficient warning caused an "unnecessary impeding." 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
The Stewards Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.
Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.