Many drivers are sanctioned by the FIA after the Abu Dhabi race
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the last round of the season. If it was eventful, especially in the first lap, it did not stop at the checkered flag. Several drivers were indeed doubly reprimanded by the FIA for various collisions.
A last Grand Prix reflecting the season. Although Max Verstappen once again clinched the drivers championship, the battle was much more intense this season with no fewer than seven different winners. The Dutchman had a tough weekend in Abu Dhabi. Struggling with the balance of his Red Bull, the four-time world champion only managed the fifth fastest time in qualifying at the Yas Marina circuit, three places behind his main rival this year, Lando Norris. While he was aiming for a podium finish, his hopes were dashed right at the first corner.
A crash involving Oscar Piastri and a double penalty
Fourth on the grid after Nico Hülkenberg’s penalty, the Dutch driver got off to a great start at the lights out and immediately got the better of Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari. Refusing to let the McLarens escape quickly, he tried the inside line at the first corner on Piastri. A risky maneuver that didn’t pay off, causing a collision between the two drivers. While Verstappen was able to continue immediately, the Australian driver found himself in last position and took the opportunity to criticize this overtaking move, a world champion move according to the man with two victories in Formula 1. Quickly, the FIA deemed the Dutch driver responsible for the incident and imposed a ten-second penalty on him during his pit stop.
The car 1 caused a collision with car 81 at turn 1, the stewards explained. Car 1 attempted to overtake car 81 on the inside at turn 1, but was never sufficiently aligned. The two cars collided just after the apex. The stewards consider that the driver of car 1 is fully responsible for the accident.
Finally sixth in the race, he also received two penalty points on his SuperLicence. Now at eight points, he is only four units away from a possible Grand Prix suspension. The four-time world champion took this possibility with humor. “Yeah, maybe I’ll go up to 12 when the baby is born, so it will be a paternity leave!” he told the media, including PlanetF1.
A similar penalty for the Australian.
Victim of the accident with Max Verstappen, Piastri nevertheless received the same penalty. The Australian therefore loses two points on his license for hitting Franco Colapinto by braking too late at turn 6, which forced the Argentine driver to go to the pits. An unfortunate incident but one that does not overshadow the joy of the Australian driver after McLaren won the constructor’s title.
A final challenging race for Bottas
An ultimate ordeal to forget for the Finn. Brilliant ninth in qualifying on Saturday, the former Mercedes driver wanted to have a good race for his last laps on the track and hoped to score points for the first time this season. Unfortunately, on the first lap, he collided with Sergio Perez’s Red Bull and damaged his front wing. A crash that also cost him several positions and a ten-second penalty. Now far from the top 10, the Finn was involved in another incident later in the race. As Danish driver Kevin Magnussen had passed the Sauber driver just before turn 6, Bottas tried to brake very late to keep his position. His wheels locked up and he crashed into the Haas. The former Williams driver then decided to retire, which forced the FIA to impose another penalty on him, in addition to the one he received for his incident with Sergio Perez.
In its statement, the FIA revealed its decision: « A 5-place grid penalty for the next race in which the driver participates. Car 77, inside car 20 approaching Turn 6, significantly misjudged its braking and collided with car 20, which was on the normal racing line. Since car 77 retired, the stewards consider that a grid penalty is justified, equivalent to a drive-through, and that three penalty points are necessary due to the significant mistake made by the driver. » However, as this is likely Bottas’ last Grand Prix in Formula 1, he will probably never serve this penalty, in the same way Jenson Button was penalized in Monaco in 2017.
A difficult last year for the Finn
The Finnish driver did not hide his disappointment after this race, finishing the year without scoring a single point. Unfortunately, today was a downward spiral after the incident on the first lap, for which I also received a penalty. From there, I was at the back, but we kept trying and pushing. Later in the race, I had contact with Kevin [Magnussen] while defending my position: I locked my wheels with worn tires and hit him. It was my mistake, and it’s a shame that my final race with the team ends like this.
After 246 starts, Bottas is probably saying goodbye to the world of F1, like many other drivers on the grid. If 2024 has been quiet in terms of transfers, 2025 will mark a turning point with many changes and arrivals. An intense battle is shaping up next year but, in the meantime, let’s enjoy having been able to witness one of the best seasons of the hybrid era.
