Penalty rain at the start of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The first laps of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix were marked by numerous incidents on the track. Many penalties were handed out.
There was tension. From the first corner, incidents began. After an excellent start, Max Verstappen pulled alongside Oscar Piastri, who was starting two places ahead. But the right front wheel of the Red Bull hit the back of the McLaren. Both cars spun. The incident was noted by the stewards before an investigation was opened. The Dutchman received a ten-second penalty. He is also likely to receive penalty points on his Superlicense.
💥 OH L’ACCROCHAGE PIASTRI/VERSTAPPEN ! 💥
Départ TRÈS animé pour ce dernier Grand Prix de l’année ! Abandon de Pérez, départ canon de Leclerc, Pierre Gasly provisoirement 3e ! #AbuDhabiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/DBbWfLEZWy
— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) December 8, 2024
In that same turn, Valtteri Bottas sent Sergio Perez spinning. The Mexican, who is certainly competing in his last Grand Prix, had to retire right after the first lap. Deemed responsible, the Sauber driver, who is also likely participating in his last race, was handed a ten-second penalty.
Kevin Magnussen at the heart of an investigation
Next, Oscar Piastri then collided with the back of Franco Colapinto’s Williams right on the straight. Logan Sargeant’s replacement was the victim of a puncture. This action was controversial as the Argentine was trying to overtake the car in front of him and shifted his position at the same time as the Australian. Despite taking all factors into account, the McLaren driver also received a ten-second penalty.
REWIND TO LAP 1 ⏪
Piastri hits the back of Colapinto’s Williams 👀
Stewards have looked at this and given the Aussie a 10-second penalty #F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/RaKY487dPr
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 8, 2024
Guanyu Zhou jumped the start and was therefore logically penalized by five seconds. Lance Stroll exceeded track limits three times and was shown a black and white flag. The Canadian will have to be careful not to receive another penalty.
Kevin Magnussen is also at the heart of an investigation. Not for an action during the race, but even before the start lights go out. The Danish driver is suspected of having attempted to leave the pit lane exit when the race director’s notes prohibited it. The situation will be examined after the Grand Prix.
