In an unusual move, Nico Hulkenberg has been handed a stop-and-go penalty, which has been suspended until the end of the season.
The German and Liam Lawson were both summoned by the Montreal stewards for being out of position at Safety Car Line 1 during the formation lap, with the Audi driver failing to enter the pit lane as required by the regulations.
The stewards admit that this was an “unusual incident” in that Hulkenberg was slower than could be reasonably expected when starting from his grid position for what would be the third formation lap.
On the other hand, Lawson started sooner than expected and should have waited longer for Hulkenberg to start.
During the formation lap, Hulkenberg claimed he was unable to safely pass Lawson to regain the correct position. However, despite the cars being in the incorrect order when crossing the SC1 line, the start was not required to be delayed, no disruption to the grid was required and there was no impact on the competition and both cars started the race from the correct positions.
The regulations stipulate a mandatory Stop and Go penalty for a car that does not enter the Pit Lane if it has failed to resume its correct position by SC1. However, in view of the mitigating circumstances, the stewards considered this penalty to be extremely harsh and not proportionate to a breach that was relatively minor in effect and impact. Accordingly, the Stop and Go penalty is suspended – for the period ending at the final race of the championship on condition that there is no further similar breach – using the authority vested in the Stewards under ISC Article 12.4.6.
In addition, Hulkenberg was reprimanded for his failure to start the formation lap in the correct order, this being his first reprimand for the season.
Lawson was also reprimanded for his failure to start the formation lap in the correct order, this being his first reprimand for the season also.