F2 – Austrian Grand Prix: Lindblad and Martí penalized after qualifying
Race stewards handed out grid penalties to both Campos Racing drivers following qualifying for the Austrian F2 Grand Prix. Arvid Lindblad and Pepe Martí each received three grid penalties for the weekend's two races at the Red Bull Ring.
Lindblad at fault for two competitors
Arvid Lindblad found himself in the crosshairs of the stewards after obstructing Oliver Goethe (MP Motorsport) and Jak Crawford (DAMS Lucas Oil) in the same sector of the track, between curves 6 and 7.
After reviewing the video footage and hearing from the drivers involved as well as their team representatives, the stewards determined that the British driver had unnecessarily impeded the two competitors, violating Article 31.6 of the FIA Formula 2 Sporting Regulations.
This double obstruction earns him a three-place grid penalty for the sprint race and the main race. Lindblad, who had qualified in 12th position, is therefore demoted to 15th for both events.
Martí in the same situation
The Spanish teammate of Lindblad, Pepe Martí, also appeared before the stewards for blocking Cian Shields (AIX Racing) at exactly the same spot on the track.
Video evidence showed that Martí had indeed disrupted the Irish opponent’s qualifying lap. The stewards applied the same penalty as for his British teammate.
Starting 9th on the grid, Martí dropped to 12th place for both events of the weekend.
Complicated title race
These sanctions complicate the race for both Campos drivers. Lindblad, currently third in the drivers’ championship just eight points behind leader Alex Dunne, will have to fight hard to remain in the top 3.
Martí, seventh overall, also sees his progress hindered by these penalties. Both will now have to demonstrate flawless driving to limit the damage and regain the positions lost on the grid.
