The stewards have decided against penalising George Russell or Romain Grosjean for their collision in the Singapore Grand Prix.
They ruled both drivers could have done more to avoid the collision which caused Russell to crash out of the race.“As the drivers exited turn seven Grosjean got a run on Russell on the outside of turn eight. Grosjean was fully alongside Russell at the entry to turn eight with the cars wheel to wheel. Through the apex of turn eight, Grosjean remained alongside, but as Russell had the inside line he was able to start pulling ahead.
“As the cars exited turn eight, the stewards determined that both cars held their line, but that those lines converged and with both drivers racing hard, the collision resulted. The stewards determined that both drivers contributed to the incident, and that both drivers could have mitigated the incident.
“As the stewards decided that neither driver was wholly or predominantly at fault, they determined to take no further action.”
Russell blamed Grosjean for the collision, accusing the Haas driver of failing to use available room at the exit of the corner to avoid contact. However Grosjean maintained he did not have space to prevent the collision.
Don't miss anything new from RaceFans
Follow RaceFans on social media:
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
2019 F1 season
- Crying in the Melbourne car park at 2019 grand prix was my career low – Ocon
- McLaren Racing reports reduced £71 million loss in 2019
- Kvyat: Hockenheim podium last year was “my biggest achievement” so far
- How the FIA’s new encrypted fuel flow meter targets Ferrari’s suspected ‘aliasing’ trick
- “He smashed my office door”: 23 must-see moments from ‘Drive to Survive’ season two
Adam (@rocketpanda)
22nd September 2019, 17:37
Grosjean deserved a penalty for that. How he’s still got a drive for next year and Hulkenberg doesn’t is just criminal, to be honest.
Michael (@freelittlebirds)
22nd September 2019, 22:06
Not sure that you could blame Grosjean anymore than Russell. What was Russell thinking in pushing to the edge? I think Russell’s retirement and his record saved him from a penalty.
Hugh (@hugh11)
22nd September 2019, 17:46
There’s never been any space to go right round the outside there. The only way to overtake is to cut back. There’s basically no way to turn that corner at racing speed with leaving space for an entire car on the outside. Just ridiculous from Grosjean to think he good do that. Why Haas have re-signed him I have no idea (though tbh I wouldn’t want Hulk to be in that car anyway).
Sensord4notbeingafanboi (@peartree)
22nd September 2019, 18:05
Like in the pitlane incident with leclerc, romain could have done better but I don’t think penalties are the answer for these clashes, it’s romain’s fault everyone sees that but it’s not reckless it’s dumb.
Hulk on an haas, what a waste.
Ben Rowe (@thegianthogweed)
22nd September 2019, 18:16
Despite all this criticism Grosjean gets, I don’t think he has got a penalty for being at fault for an incident this year. The stewards state they were equally to blame. If they thought Grosjean had more input – especially as Russell retired, they would have no doubt punished him.
nase
22nd September 2019, 18:22
Yep.
x303 (@x303)
23rd September 2019, 9:53
Absolutely. People are mad at Grosjean for being on the grid, but then they complain that too many penalties are given, the stewards should let the drivers sort themselves on the track!
This is exactly what they did here :
anon
22nd September 2019, 19:14
@peartree, are you still trying to spin the unsafe release in the German GP as being the fault of Grosjean for not pre-empting that Ferrari were going to send Leclerc into the side of his car, rather than being the fault of Ferrari?
C-FLO
22nd September 2019, 22:38
GRO seems to always be in some low level controversy that isn’t raising his game nor elevating the sport.
Applebook
23rd September 2019, 3:28
Should have been a slam dunk penalty, but these stewards don’t care about doing a proper job.
Grosjean had clearly lost the corner and simply rearends the car well in front. Mediocre rookie mistake.