Formula 1 rookies, Jack Doohan and Gabriel Bortoleto, found themselves in hot water following a contentious on-track altercation during the final lap of the Chinese GP Sprint. The incident triggered a steward inquiry, casting a shadow over the thrilling 19-lap event primarily marked by intense inter-rookie rivalries.
The dramatic episode unfolded as the rookies battled for supremacy, not for points but merely for pride. Their competition reached a fever pitch on the last lap, culminating in a controversial clash between Doohan and Bortoleto. While a previous contact between Liam Lawson and Doohan was dismissed by the stewards, the Doohan-Bortoleto skirmish has caught the authorities’ attention.
The pair are now under the stewards’ microscope for an “alleged breach of Appendix L, Chapter IV, Article 2 d) of the International Sporting Code” involving a Turn 14 incident between their respective Cars 7 and 5. The contention arose when Doohan, attempting to shake off the title of the last-placed rookie, made an aggressive move on Bortoleto at the Turn 14 hairpin during the 19th lap.
The maneuver resulted in Doohan crashing into Bortoleto’s Sauber, sending the Brazilian into a spin while Doohan suffered damage to his front wing. An irate Bortoleto later reported to Sauber that Doohan had “dove and hit” him. In the aftermath of the incident, Bortoleto crossed the finish line in 18th place, whereas Doohan trailed at last, P20.
The stewards are currently investigating the incident. Meanwhile, they have provided clarity on their decision to forego further action regarding the earlier contact between Lawson and Doohan. According to the stewards’ statement, Lawson (Car 30) overtook Doohan (Car 7) at Turn 14, leading to a minor collision.
The stewards applied the Driving Standards Guidelines to assess the incident and concluded that Lawson was significantly ahead of Doohan at the turn’s apex. Therefore, Lawson had the right to use the full track at the exit. Doohan’s failure to provide sufficient room for Lawson’s car to pass resulted in the minor collision. However, given the minor nature of the collision, the stewards decided against taking further action. The spotlight now remains firmly on the Doohan-Bortoleto clash, with the motorsport community eagerly awaiting the outcome of the ongoing investigation.