Liam Lawson and Nico Hülkenberg have been handed different verdicts from the FIA following an incident that even the stewards described as “unusual”.
Both drivers were placed under investigation for an alleged starting procedure infringement, with Lawson and Hülkenberg each receiving a reprimand.
However, the Audi driver has also received a suspended stop/go penalty for the remainder of the season and will only serve it should he repeat the offence.
According to the stewards’ report, Hülkenberg was slow away at the start of the formation lap and fell behind Lawson.
At the first safety car line, the duo were out of position but managed to return to the correct order by the time they lined up on the grid.
While Hülkenberg was slow away, Lawson moved “sooner than expected”, with the stewards deeming that the New Zealander “should have waited longer”.
Under the regulations, if a driver is out of position on the formation lap by SC1, they should start from the pit lane. Hülkenberg did not do so. However, due to the situation being deemed “unusual”, the stewards opted to suspend the penalty.
The stewards’ report read: “The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 27 (Nico Hulkenberg), the driver of Car 30 (Liam Lawson), team representatives and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing, and in-car video evidence.
“This was an unusual incident. Car 27 was slower than could be reasonably expected, starting from its grid position for what would be a third formation lap. Car 30 started sooner than expected and should have waited longer for Car 27 to start.
“During the formation lap, the driver of Car 27 claimed he was unable to safely pass Car 30 to regain the correct position. However, despite the cars being in the incorrect order when crossing the SC1 line, the start was not required to be delayed, no disruption to the grid was required and there was no impact on the competition.
“Both cars started the race from the correct positions. The regulations stipulate a mandatory Stop and Go Penalty for a car that does not enter the Pit Lane if it has failed to resume its correct position by SC1.
“However in view of the above mitigating circumstances, the Stewards consider this penalty to be extremely harsh and not proportionate to a breach that was relatively minor in effect and impact. Accordingly the Stop and Go Penalty is suspended using the authority vested in the Stewards under ISC Article 12.4.6.”
