Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar and Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll receive a hefty fine
Having taken part in the opening practice session at the British Grand Prix, Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar has received a hefty fine for impeding the McLaren of Lando Norris.
French driver Isack Hadjar took part in the opening 60-minute practice at Silverstone, completing Red Bull's first of two mandatory young driver's outings. Hadjar took over Sergio Perez's car for FP1 which means that Max Verstappen will step away from an FP1 action later during the year.
The Formula 2 driver had a quiet session until the closing stages when he blocked the McLaren of Lando Norris in a dangerous incident. The Briton was on a flying lap and came across the slow-moving Red Bull which was sat on the racing line.
With the incident forcing Norris to take evasive action, the stewards launched an investigation into the matter. As a result of it, Hadjar has been formally warned by the FIA stewards and Red Bull will need to pay a fine of €20,000 for poor communication.
The FIA stewards' statement read: "The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 37 (Isack Hadjar), the driver of Car 4 (Lando Norris), team representatives and reviewed video, team radio and in-car video evidence.
"It was obvious that the driver was not given timely and appropriate warning of the approach of Car 4. The driver of Car 4 was forced to brake heavily and leave the track to avoid a collision. The Team of Car 37 conceded that it had not provided the necessary advice to its driver.
"The Stewards note that the penalty on the competitor is higher that that imposed for another impeding incident in this session. The reason for this is that this incident was regarded as more serious."
Elsewhere, Aston Martin's Lance Stroll was also accused of having impeded the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc at Turn 12 during the opening practice session.
In breach of Article 37.5 of the FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, the stewards have imposed a formal warning on Stroll and a hefty fine of 15,000 euros on the Aston Martin team.
