Lotus driver Romain Grosjean has been handed a one-race ban by the Belgian GP after his initiation of the massive collision that took place in the last GP a few days ago. He will also have to pay a €50,000 fine. The collision had involved four drivers.
Romain Grosjean handed one-race ban
Grosjean narrowed his way into a small gap just ahead of Hamilton triggering a sorry collision. Hamilton was not amused and had a bitter moment with Grosjean at the end of the race. The race was won by an ecstatic Jenson Button who was luckily not part of the fiasco.
“I honestly thought I was ahead of Hamilton and there was enough room for both cars. I didn’t deliberately try to squeeze him or anything like that. This first corner situation obviously isn’t what anyone would want to happen and thankfully no-one was hurt in the incident. I wish to apologize to the drivers who were involved and to their fans. I can only say that today is part of a process that will make me a better driver.”
As of now the decision has not been challenged by the team. Monza has been called in for the replacement. The decision was taken in regards to how seriously the action could have hurt the drivers involved. This is seen as a grave error in judgment and poor decision making on part of Grosjean. Because of this, the favored and possible contenders were wiped out of the tournament hence Hamilton’s anger stands justified. The video footage of the race showed an impatient Grosjean charging his way past Hamilton into a narrow, small gap and pushing Hamilton to the grass side. Hamilton lost control on his car as Grosjean made his way forward.
Grosjean says that even a ban of a single race is hurtful and disappointing as each next race is as big a deal as the last. The board and critics agree that the one-match ban was rightfully imposed on Grosjean as he jeopardized not only the win for the likely contenders but also an-almost fatal accident.
Grosjean’s only argument at this point seems to rest in his unawareness of the opening he sped into but this is the same reason that the panel has decided to impose the ban as spatial awareness is of utmost importance.
Tags: Belgian Grand Prix, F1, Formula 1, Romain Grosjean
