One penalty only for Lance Stroll

The start of the weekend in Las Vegas almost cost Lance Stroll dearly. During Free Practice 3 and qualifying, two investigations were opened. Both cases occurred in sectors under yellow flags.

Finally, after several examinations of the different cameras, the FIA has decided to penalize the driver for his actions in the practice sessions. His behavior in qualifying was ultimately not punished.

5 penalty positions on the starting grid

The events in question took place during Free Practice 3. When a yellow flag was waved at turn 12.9, the stewards observed that the Canadian driver had overtaken Carlos Sainz.

« After surpassing the clearly visible flags on the onboard video of car 18 (Lance Stroll), it overtook car 55 (Carlos Sainz). The driver of car 18 stated that he had his head down, looking at his dashboard, and focusing on the Ferrari in front of him, and that he had missed the flags », as specified in the statement. « Although no yellow light panel was displayed, the regulation is clear that flags and light panels have the same meaning. »

As a result, the 25-year-old driver receives a 5-place penalty and three points on their Super License (bringing the total to 5 points in the last 12 months). Just to remind you, if a driver loses 12 points, they are suspended for one race.

The Canadiens were also facing a second penalty. Finally, Aston Martin can breathe a sigh of relief. In an official statement, the FIA explained that there would be no further action, considering there was a mitigating circumstance. The examination of the telemetry and comparison with his teammate in car 14 revealed that the driver of car 18 lifted off the gas earlier than on his previous fast lap, returned to full throttle later than on his previous fast lap, and that his speed in the corner was significantly lower than on his previous fast lap and that of his teammate, it is specified.

As a result, Lance Stroll will start in 19th position in Vegas.