Red Bull Slapped with Big Fine
Getty ImagesRed Bull Racing have been fined €30,000 ($38,000) for the unsafe release
of Mark Webber during today’s German Grand Prix.
During Webber’s first stop, he was released before the right-rear tire had been properly attached which instead bounced along the pit lane, eventually striking FOM cameraman Paul Allen who is now under observation at a local hospital.
Webber was kept in the pits until the problem was resolved, losing a lap to the leaders but he managed to make a fight back through the field to eventually finish 7th, scoring six points.
The stewards’ statement reads:
Quote:
|
“The team released car 2 [Webber] before all wheels were safely fitted and the right rear wheel came off as the car left the pit stop position. The wheel passed four teams and struck a camera operator causing injury.”
|
The fine follows the precedent set by the FIA for similar incidents, with Nico Rosberg’s tire also bouncing along the pit lane at the 2010 Hungarian Grand Prix, for which Mercedes were fined $50,000.
Additionally, Force India have been fined €5000 for the unsafe release of Paul di Resta during his first stop.