The two Alfa Romeos penalized, Hamilton and Kubica in the points
Although both Alfa Romeo cars had finished in the points, they were penalized after the race for a non-compliant clutch! This allows Lewis Hamilton and especially Robert Kubica to be in the points. However, Alfa Romeo will appeal the stewards' decision.
While we were already reliving a memorable race, the rankings were shaken up after the race. The cause? Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi’s clutches did not react within the allotted time at the start. Instead of the allotted 70 milliseconds, it took them 300 milliseconds, which can be considered a false start.
As the penalty was imposed during the race, the drivers could no longer observe the 10-second stop-and-go that such an infraction normally incurs. That’s why their race time was extended by 30 seconds, which relegates them to the last positions.
Alfa Romeo does not intend to give up as it has already indicated that it will appeal the decision, as stated by its director, Frédéric Vasseur: « It is extremely disappointing to see both cars penalized and excluded from the points in such an exciting race. The problem arose during the formation laps behind the safety car: we experienced a clutch malfunction that we could do nothing about. We respect the FIA process and the work of the stewards, but we will appeal the decision because we are confident we have the evidence to change the decision. »
In the meantime, as always, one person’s misfortune is another’s happiness. Lewis Hamilton is thus promoted to ninth position and scores two valuable points towards the championship. But it’s at Williams where such a decision comes at just the right time. Indeed, it allows Robert Kubica to score the point for 10th place. The last time he scored a point, he was with Renault in Abu Dhabi 2010. This puts the Pole into the F1 record books for the longest gap between points finishes in two Grand Prix. This record was previously held by Lucien Bianchi, who scored points in Belgium 1960 and Monaco 1968!
The frustration must be palpable for his teammate, George Russell, who has largely dominated him since the start of the season but finds himself outside the points during a chaotic race that sees Williams score its first point of the season.
Here is the final ranking, updated after the penalties imposed on Räikkönen and Giovinazzi:
Classification finale de la course suite aux pénalités de 30s des Alfa.#LH44: P9.
Kubica: 1 point !!!#GermanGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/EYovjwL2y4— Au Rupteur (@AuRupteur) July 28, 2019
De notre envoyé spécial à Hockenheim
Inevitably, these penalties have consequences on the drivers’ and constructors’ standings, which you can consult here.
