Alpine penalised for unsafe pit stop: €10,000 fine

The FIA has handed out a €10,000 fine to Alpine as a result of an 'unsafe release' in the pit lane. The French team went awry during a pit stop by Pierre Gasly, he was released too early when the right rear tyre was not yet fully engaged.

FIA state the following in their statement on the incident. "The right rear tyre had not been properly fitted. The electronic systemass that monitor if a tyre was properly fitted did not pick that up."

Non-compliance with safety regulations

Alpine then did everything possible to keep Gasly in the pit box, one team member even suffered a slight injury in the process. This person was also subsequently unable to perform his function within the team. Although the FIA recognise that the driver was not guilty, the motorsport federation still feel the need to punish the team.

"It was clear to us that the driver was not at fault. He was given the green light and he released the clutch and moved the car foward We determined that the team was wholly responsible for what transpired. We accordingly imposed a fine of €10.000 for not ensuring that the car complied with the conditions of eligibility and safety during the race."