The controversial incident involving Alpine Formula 1 junior driver Nikola Tsolov and a Formula 3 rival during practice for the Australian Grand Prix is surprisingly insufficient. Tsolov received a three-position penalty after colliding with Alex Dunne during the only F3 practice session in Melbourne. The Alpine Academy driver veered towards Dunne while overtaking him, after being accidentally obstructed moments earlier, resulting in contact that sent Dunne’s car into the inner wall. Tsolov, who also received two penalty points on his license, denied that the contact was intentional, but according to the stewards’ report, the act of veering to the right was considered retaliation.
The stewards claimed that Tsolov “stated that his lap was affected by car #9 [Dunne] and he wanted the driver to be aware of his presence and that he was being impeded.” They also stated that “car #25 [Tsolov] deviated from his normal racing line to approach car #9 and highlight his presence. Unfortunately, he misjudged this action and collided with car #9.” However, the stewards’ decision seems inadequate for the offense, without any further explanation.
The stewards seem to have judged this incident as a typical case of causing a collision, emphasizing that it was “unintentional,” despite describing it as “completely avoidable.” This may explain why the grid penalty was supposedly applied “in accordance with previous precedents,” although few such cases come to mind. This was not a typical collision and intentionally veering to “highlight his presence” is not a normal action. However, it did not receive an appropriate punishment.
According to the FIA International Sporting Code, it is not allowed to drive erratically or in a potentially dangerous manner towards other drivers. Regardless of intent, Tsolov’s actions fall into this category unless the stewards believe that the maneuver itself was acceptable and only the accidental contact was problematic. The FIA and its stewards must aim to eliminate any form of reckless driving like this, even if it may be partially attributed to the heat of the moment.
In contrast, no leniency was shown to Sebastian Vettel at the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He received a 10-second stop-and-go penalty and three penalty points on his license for driving alongside and colliding with Lewis Hamilton before a safety car restart, which the stewards deemed “potentially dangerous” and perhaps carried more intent than Tsolov’s offense in this case. It is difficult to understand the reasoning behind the leniency. Swerving at high speed and causing another car to crash should be met with a firm and decisive response.
Retaliations after being impeded are common, usually through gestures or even by slowing down next to the offending driver. This is the accepted and much safer way to “assert your presence.” However, Tsolov’s actions were significantly more serious. If the stewards and the FIA were determined to crack down on this type of behavior, a suspension would not be out of the question. Certainly, it is a consideration that should be taken seriously.
Instead, the focus is on mitigation, which includes Dunne receiving a reprimand for obstructing Tsolov in the first place. The commissioners stated that this showed the need for better judgment and awareness. However, it is also partly because “it led to the subsequent collision and retirement of his car,” and the commissioners felt it was necessary to increase the penalty as a result. This implies a mindset of “well, you started it,” further highlighting the inadequacy of the overall response.
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