Kick Sauber is fined €5000 after the Australian Grand Prix
A loose wheel nut flew off during a pit stop for Valtteri Bottas, prompting an investigation by the race stewards.
The race commissioners of the Australian Grand Prix have decided to impose a (small) fine on the Kick Sauber team, former Alfa Romeo. After receiving a report from the race director, the team and Valtteri Bottas were summoned and heard following an incident that occurred during the race session.
The incident in question concerned the presence of stand equipment in the pit lane, which resulted in a violation of article 12.2.1 h) of the FIA International Sporting Code. As a result, the Kick Sauber F1 Team was fined €5,000.
According to the commissioners’ reports, the team lost control of a wheel nut during a pit stop, creating a potentially dangerous situation in the pit lane during the race. This incident was considered a serious infraction and therefore resulted in financial penalties for the team, said a statement from the FIA.
Note that Valtteri Bottas lost precious seconds during another pit stop in Australia. Since the beginning of this season, Kick Sauber has been experiencing difficulties with this exercise, they will have to make sure to improve for the upcoming races.
On the other hand, George Russell and Fernando Alonso have been summoned by the stewards after the race. This concerns the accident the Briton had on the last lap. According to certain images, it seems that Alonso, just ahead of him, braked a little abruptly, which contributed to the Mercedes driver going off track, ending up sideways across the track, shouting: “Red flag, red flag!” It remains to be seen whether they will decide whether this warrants a penalty for the Spaniard or not.
