Aston Martin and Alpine fined €5,000 for the pitlane incident during the Monza Qualifying session. The decision comes after the stewards summoned Vettel post-factum and spoke to the team representatives.
Aston Martin’s Unsafe Releases
During the qualifying session at the Italian Monza track, multiple incidents occured in the pitlane. The stewards decided to investigate after the session.
Aston Martin, who were eliminated in Q2, released both Vettel and Stroll at the same time. Vettel, however, was released into the path of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who had to take avoiding action.
Stroll almost had a hit with his teammate and his mechanic, however it seemed like both came out unscathed. Also, fortunately for all involved, not damage was incurred on any car.
Several cars were released into the pit lane at the same time. [Vettel] was released by his team, but at the same time the team’s other car was also being released. This caused [Vettel] to move towards the fast lane when [Hamilton] was passing and had to take avoiding action to avoid an incident.
FIA Decision – Reason
Alpine Tried to Use the Situation
Seconds after, and while Vettel, Stroll and Hamilton are trying to get themselves out of the pickle, it seems like Alpine tried to use the situation to their advantage and release Ocon onto the track. This, however, did not go to plan. The mechanic releasing the French driver went too far out into the pitlane, impeding Vettel along the way.
This caused Vettel to brake and for the mechanic to, literally, jump out of the way.
The team member […] who was responsible for releasing [Ocon] stepped back into the pit lane [..] into the path of [Vettel]. While the Stewards accept that members of other teams also stepped this far into the pit lane, they did not obstruct another car and were not in a particularly dangerous situation […] the Stewards determined that this was an “unsafe act”.
FIA Decision – Reason
Tension mounting in the pit lane as the cars exit
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 10, 2021
Vettel comes out as Hamilton is going past and the two world champs almost touch! #ItalianGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/rUNMRKLZ9h
Both teams have now been fined 5,000 Euros for the acts by the FIA; the motorsport regulator.
Your Take – Aston Martin and Alpine Fined
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