BREAKING: Gabriel Bortoleto Avoids Penalty After Controversial Yellow Flag Incident at Italian GP!
In a stunning turn of events following the Italian Grand Prix, Gabriel Bortoleto has narrowly escaped a penalty for a disputed yellow flag violation during Free Practice 2. The Kick Sauber driver found himself at the center of controversy after overtaking Liam Lawson’s No. 30 car amidst chaotic conditions on the Monza circuit.
The drama unfolded during the early moments of Free Practice 2 when Kimi Antonelli lost control of his Mercedes, skidding into the gravel at the challenging Lesmo corner. This prompted race officials to immediately wave yellow flags, signaling drivers to slow down and exercise caution. However, as the situation escalated, it was determined that Antonelli could not recover his vehicle, leading to a red flag that halted the session.
In a shocking twist, Bortoleto reportedly overtook a slower Racing Bulls machine while the yellow flags were waving, causing a stir among fans and officials alike. Eyewitnesses noted that while Bortoleto did slow down, the timing of his maneuver raised eyebrows. The incident echoed a previous controversy from Free Practice 1, where Charles Leclerc faced scrutiny for overtaking Nico Hulkenberg under similar red flag conditions, yet he too escaped further punishment.
After a thorough investigation, the stewards concluded that Bortoleto did not breach the International Sporting Code outlined in Appendix H, Article 2.5.5 b). The stewards’ ruling detailed that they meticulously reviewed marshalling data, video footage, and in-car evidence. They noted that as Bortoleto approached the yellow flag zone before Turn 7, he found Lawson in front, driving at a significantly reduced speed.
The report stated, “The first yellow flag signal displayed was on the driver’s right after Turn 6. At the time the yellow flag was displayed, Car 5 was already in close proximity to Car 30, which resulted in Car 30 partially blocking the driver’s view of the yellow flag.” Crucially, the stewards determined that Bortoleto lacked adequate time to react before overtaking Lawson. They also acknowledged that he significantly reduced his speed after passing the initial yellow flag and approached the site of the incident at a cautious pace.
In light of these findings, the stewards decided that, despite a technical breach of regulations occurring, no penalty would be imposed on Bortoleto. This decision has left many in the F1 community buzzing, as the implications of such rulings can reverberate throughout the competitive landscape.
As the dust settles from the Italian GP, one thing is clear: the stakes are high in Formula 1, and the tension surrounding yellow flag protocols remains a hot topic. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the fallout from this gripping episode in motorsport history!
