Fittipaldi penalised following Spa-Francorchamps Feature Race

Enzo Fittipaldi has been awarded a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage during Round 11’s Feature Race in Spa-Francorchamps.

On the approach to Turn 5, Liam Lawson attempted a move on the inside of the Charouz Racing System driver, the pair went side-by-side through the turn-in point and into the apex of the corner, both leaving each other adequate space. On the exit of the corner, Lawson was slightly ahead and left adequate room on the outside, which would become the inside line for Turn 6.

Anticipating that he would collide with the Carlin at the following apex, Fittipaldi chose to leave the track while he was a quarter of a car length behind him and rejoined the track after Turn 6 more than a car length ahead, thereby gaining an advantage which was maintained for more than one lap. Charouz reported that they were having radio issues and were unable to contact their driver until two laps later at which point the position was given back prior to Turn 1.

However, the Stewards determined that a lasting advantage had already been established, which giving back the position does not negate. With the penalty, Fittipaldi drops from P5 to P10 in the final classification.

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