Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll has been given a one-place grid penalty for destroying Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc’s front wing during Monaco GP practice.
In the early events of Free Practice 1, Lance Stroll had an unfortunate impact with Charles Leclerc. As the Canadian moved back onto the racing line at the Grand Hotel Hairpin under braking.
This manoeuvre caused the Ferrari to crash into the Aston Martin and damaged the left side of Leclerc’s front wing. Which caused a red flag to be raised.
Consequently, Stroll also had to exit early in FP1 due to a broken rear suspension and a gearbox change.
The FIA in their infringement document said: “We considered that Car 18 was wholly to blame for the collision. Car 16 was not in a position to avoid the collision that took place.”
This led Lance Stroll to receive a one-place grid drop, which will apply for Sunday’s race at the Monaco GP.
Lance Stroll sits 10th in the Drivers’ Championship with 14 points. He is the sole contributor to Aston Martin’s points so far this season.
FIA’s Full decision
Lance Stroll breached and broke Appendix L, Chapter IV, Article 2 d) of the FIA International Sporting Code.
The FIA continued: “Decision Drop of 1 grid position for the next Race in which the driver participates”, along with “1 penalty point (total of 3 for the 12 month period).”
They added: “The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 18 (Lance Stroll), the driver of Car 16 (Charles Leclerc), team representatives, and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing, team radio and in-car video evidence and determined that Car 18 cut across the path of Car 16 at Turn 6, causing Car 16 to collide into Car 18. Car 16 suffered damage as a result.
“The driver of Car 18 stated that although the team warned him of the arrival of Car 16, he did not hear the radio message and that led to the incident. We considered that Car 18 was wholly to blame for the collision. Car 16 was not in a position to avoid the collision that took place.
“In the circumstances, we imposed a 1 grid position penalty for the Race and 1 penalty point.
“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.
“Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.”
Full stewards statement
