Franco Colapinto narrowly avoided a penalty after a controversial incident during the final practice in Monaco.
- During Free Practice 3, Colapinto passed Lance Stroll under red flag conditions, sparking immediate review.
- The incident was scrutinized by officials, who used extensive data before reaching a decision.
- Colapinto’s actions were deemed unavoidable due to a blue flag error, allowing him to escape punishment.
- In contrast, Oliver Bearman received a penalty for a similar infraction, highlighting the intricacies of race regulations.
Franco Colapinto found himself under the spotlight during the final moments of Free Practice 3 at the Monaco Grand Prix. As the session drew to a close, Lewis Hamilton’s clash with a barrier resulted in red flags, during which overtaking is not permitted. Nevertheless, Colapinto overtook Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin at the exit of the Nouvelle Chicane, drawing immediate attention from race officials.
Officials conducted a thorough review, analyzing positioning and signaling data, telemetry, video, timing, and team radio communications. Despite Colapinto’s apparent breach of the FIA International Sporting Code, the investigation revealed extenuating circumstances that would save him from punitive action.
It was discovered that at the moment of the overtake, the marshall’s post and light panel misleadingly displayed a blue flag, only later switching to a red signal. Crucially, once the accurate signal was visible, Colapinto swiftly adjusted his speed as mandated by regulations.
Moreover, the significant speed difference and proximity between Colapinto and Stroll when the lights changed contributed significantly to the situation. Officials concluded Colapinto had taken all reasonable steps to comply with race rules, validating their decision to forego any penalties.
This decision sharply contrasts with the penalty imposed on Oliver Bearman, who was dealt a 10-place grid penalty for overtaking Carlos Sainz during a red flag condition earlier. Bearman’s penalty was enforced because his team alerted him too late, and the signals around him had already clearly indicated the red flag condition.
Adding to an eventful practice session, Lance Stroll faced his own setback with a one-place grid drop after an earlier clash with Charles Leclerc in Free Practice 1.
Colapinto’s case highlights the complexities of race protocols, illustrating how minor oversights can lead to contentious situations that require careful scrutiny by officials.
