Arvid Lindblad and Franco Colapinto questioned the penalty for yellow flag infractions during the Formula 1 Dutch GP, assessing the sanctions as harsh.
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The duo received drive-through penalties during the race in Zandvoort, in addition to receiving two penalty points on their Super Licenses.
After the race, the Racing Bulls driver questioned the penalty being extreme, which cost him finishing in the points. “We were in a very good position after the first lap; the penalty was a bit harsh. I think we all agree that it is something quite extreme, but okay, it is what it is. There is no point in speculating about it now; it’s over,” he said.
“I’m just a little sad because it ruined our race. After that, actually, we had a very good race. It’s sad not to have scored points, as the team and I deserved it; without a doubt, without the penalty, we would have finished eighth. I had the impression that they were more creating a precedent than really evaluating the infraction and applying the corresponding penalty,” he continued.
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Meanwhile, Colapinto stated that he was taking actions to avoid the accident and debris on the track. “I think they were extremely harsh. It’s their job, but it’s also part of the job to be a bit flexible and understand the situation,” he assessed.
“They showed the yellow flag very late, when I was already completing the overtaking; it was clearly much more dangerous to brake hard or accelerate in the middle of the straight, on the banked part and with the wet track, at a moment when everyone was spinning. So, for me, it seems an exaggeration. Both for me and Lindblad, especially a drive-through penalty, which ends the race. It’s a very hard blow,” he added.
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