Source:REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw
[Saba Sports News] According to post-race FIA documents, McLaren has been fined €5,000 because during the second practice session for the F1 Dutch Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri and George Russell nearly collided in the pit lane fast lane. The document states: “Car 81 (Piastri) attempted to leave the fast lane to enter its pit garage during the red flag period in the second free practice session. As Car 81 approached the garage entrance, it was blocked by team personnel pushing a rear jack. Another team member signaled Car 81 to bypass him and proceed to the next pit area, which the driver did. In doing so, he briefly turned around in the fast lane before entering the garage. This caused Car 63 (Russell) to brake urgently and take evasive action. Although no collision occurred, this situation could have led to an accident and potentially injured one or more team personnel in the pit lane. The team admitted failing to warn the driver and acknowledged that the situation could have been handled better. We unanimously agree that the team should have been more cautious in guiding Car 81 into the garage. Although we issued a summons under Article 55.5 of the FIA F1 Sporting Regulations, we believe Article 12.2.1.h is more applicable to the team’s violation in this incident. Therefore, we impose a fine of €5,000 under this article.”