Antonelli Escapes Penalty Points Despite Being At Fault In Hadjar Collision
Stewards determined that Andrea Kimi Antonelli bore full responsibility for a collision involving Isack Hadjar, yet opted not to issue any penalty points to the driver. The decision highlights the stewards' discretion in assessing penalties beyond simple fault determination.
In a notable stewards' decision, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been cleared of penalty points following an incident with fellow driver Isack Hadjar, despite officials placing complete blame on the Ferrari driver for the crash.
The stewards' inquiry into the collision concluded that Antonelli was "wholly to blame" for the accident, establishing clear liability in the matter. However, despite this determination of fault, the officials opted not to hand down penalty points as part of the incident's resolution.
This outcome underscores how stewards can distinguish between assigning culpability for an on-track incident and implementing specific penalty measures. While Antonelli's responsibility for the collision was unambiguous, the stewards evidently determined that penalty points were not warranted in this particular circumstance.
Original source
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Related Regulations
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Full Regulation Text
Article B1.10.2
Investigation of Incident
Chapter: B1
In Simple Terms
When stewards think something needs looking into during or after a race, they can start an investigation. If they decide to investigate, the involved drivers get a message and must stay at the circuit for up to 60 minutes while stewards review what happened. The stewards will only hand out a penalty if they believe a driver was clearly at fault for the incident.
- Stewards have the authority to investigate incidents at their discretion
- Drivers involved must be notified and cannot leave the circuit for up to 60 minutes after the race finish
- Penalties are only given if a driver is wholly or predominantly to blame
- Stewards decide whether an incident warrants a penalty after investigation
Official FIA Text
Stewards discretion to proceed with investigation. Message informing Competitors of involved drivers sent. If displayed within 60 minutes after TTCS finish, drivers may not leave circuit without stewards consent. Stewards decide if penalty warranted; no penalty unless driver wholly/predominantly to blame.
Article B1.3.7
Officials - Stewards Decision Making
Chapter: ARTICLE B1: ORGANISATION OF A COMPETITION
In Simple Terms
The stewards (officials who make decisions on rule violations) can use video footage and electronic tools to help them make fair decisions about what happened during a race. They have the authority to overturn the decisions made by on-track judges if they believe the evidence shows something different.
- Stewards can use video replays and electronic evidence to review incidents and make informed decisions
- Stewards have the final authority and can overrule the judgments of other officials on the ground
- This rule ensures stewards have all available technology to make accurate and fair rulings
Official FIA Text
Stewards may use any video or electronic means to assist decisions. Stewards may overrule judges of fact.
Article B1.10.1
Reporting of Incident
Chapter: B1
In Simple Terms
The Race Director can report any incident that happens on track or any suspected rule break to the stewards for investigation. This is how potential violations get officially reviewed and potentially penalized.
- Race Director has authority to report on-track incidents to stewards
- Can report suspected breaches of Sporting Regulations or Code of Conduct
- Reporting initiates the official stewards' investigation process
- Applies to any incident occurring during the race
Official FIA Text
Race Director may report any on-track incident or suspected breach of Sporting Regulations or Code to stewards.
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