Williams has taken the rare step of protesting the stewards’ decision to penalise Sergey Sirotkin for a collision at the start of the Azerbaijan GP.
The Russian driver was involved in two incidents within a few hundred metres during the opening lap in Baku after initially running into the back of Sergio Perez entering Turn 2, for which he was given a three-place grid drop for this weekend’s Spanish GP, before colliding with Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg on the run to Turn 3 which ultimately ended his race.
Under the regulations, teams are allowed to appeal decisions should new evidence be brought forward and on Tuesday, a teleconference between Williams officials and the FIA will take place to consider if such evidence is forthcoming.
Also Read:
- Alonso claims Baku recovery to P7 “one of the best races of my life”
- Magnussen clarifies statement that he would risk his life while racing
Also present will be representatives from McLaren with the protest citing Fernando Alonso’s recovery back to the pits effectively on two wheels as well as several other incidents which took place during the race which the Grove team wish to be reviewed.
They include the coming together between Esteban Ocon and Kimi Raikkonen at Turn 3 on Lap 1 and the high-speed contact between Kevin Magnussen and Pierre Gasly on the main straight after the first Safety Car restart.
It is the sandwich between Alonso, Sirotkin and Hulkenberg as the Spaniard’s actions en route back to the pits which are likely to be the focus of the protest with a decision on if the request for a review is valid expected soon.
