Perez avoids grid penalty for unsafe release

Sergio Perez has not been handed a grid penalty for the Spanish Grand Prix after he was released from his pit box unsafely during the second free practice session. Perez drove away when the left front tyre was not properly attached, forcing him to pull over and stop halfway around the track.

Force India was fined €5,000 for the incident, but it avoided a grid penalty after the stewards determined that it was not obvious that the wheel was loose. The stewards acknowledged that although the wheel had been clamped to the car, the wheel nut was cross-threaded, and that was only realised after Perez rejoined the circuit.

Statement from the stewards

A statement from the stewards read: "The stewards determined that the car was released in an unsafe condition in breach of Article 28.13(b) [of the Sporting Regulations] as the wheel was not properly attached to the car when released.

"Unusually, the wheel clamped to the car and it was not immediately apparent that the wheel was not fully fitted. The stewards had the technical delegate inspect the car, and his conclusion agreed with the team’s that although the wheel clamped, the wheel nut was cross-threaded."

"The driver stopped the car in a safe manner as soon as the above became apparent to him. And while there was some confusion on the radio, the team gave appropriate instructions as soon as they realised the issue, which was not apparent until just before turn nine.

"Consistent with previous decisions of a similar nature, the stewards decided that the grid place penalty mentioned in the above article would not be applied as all appropriate measures were taken, and in particular it was not obvious that the car was unsafe when it was released.

"Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the team to take all measures to ensure that the wheel is fully fitted and accordingly, the stewards fine the team €5,000.”