Suspended stop-and-go penalty handed out after start chaos in Canada

The Canadian Grand Prix had a chaotic start on Sunday. After Arvid Lindblad's Racing Bulls car stalled following the first formation lap, the start was aborted. In the end, two further formation laps were completed before the race could begin.

Following the race, Hulkenberg was investigated for being out of position at Safety Car Line 1 during the formation lap and for not entering the pit lane as required by the regulations afterwards.

On paper, this would have meant a stop-and-go penalty for the German. However, the stewards believed that such a punishment would not have been proportionate, as the incident did not delay the race. Therefore, the penalty has been suspended until the end of the season. In addition, both Hulkenberg and Liam Lawson received a reprimand for the infringement.

The stewards wrote in their explanation: "This was an unusual incident. Car 27 was slower than could be reasonably expected, starting from its grid position for what would be a third formation lap. Car 30 started sooner than expected and should have waited longer for Car 27 to start. During the formation lap, the driver of Car 27 claimed he was unable to safely pass Car 30 to regain the correct position.