The 2024 Chinese Grand Prix was marred by multiple incidents, leading to stewards’ investigations and subsequent penalties for four drivers: Daniel Ricciardo, Lance Stroll, Logan Sargeant, and Kevin Magnussen.
Logan Sargeantâs Safety Car Infringement
During a Safety Car period, Logan Sargeant overtook Nico Hulkenberg as they approached Turn 1. Upon review, the stewards determined that Hulkenberg was marginally ahead at the Safety Car line, making Sargeant maneuver a breach of Article 55.8 of the Sporting Regulations. Consequently, Sargeant received a 10-second time penalty and two penalty points on his Super Licence, bringing his total to eight points over the past 12 months.Â
Lance Stroll and Daniel Ricciardo Collision
As the race prepared to resume after the Safety Car, a chain reaction ensued: Fernando Alonso locked up approaching a hairpin, causing George Russell and Oscar Piastri to brake suddenly. Daniel Ricciardo, following Piastri, also decelerated. Lance Stroll, however, failed to adjust his speed accordingly and collided heavily with the rear of Ricciardocar, leading to Ricciardo retirement from the race. The stewards reviewed the incident and concluded that Stroll should have anticipated the slowing cars ahead and braked accordingly. Stroll was deemed predominantly at fault and was handed a 10-second penalty along with two penalty points, increasing his 12-month tally to seven.Â
Despite being the victim in this incident, Ricciardo was later penalized for a separate infraction. He overtook Hulkenberg under Safety Car conditions, which is prohibited. Although Ricciardo argued that Hulkenberg had previously overtaken him under similar conditions, the stewards found no justification for his maneuver. As Ricciardo had already retired from the race, he was assigned a three-place grid penalty for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix and received two penalty points on his Super Licence.Â
Kevin Magnussen’s Collision with Yuki Tsunoda
Kevin Magnussen was involved in an incident with Yuki Tsunoda at Turn 6. The stewards determined that Magnussen braked late, leading to a collision that forced Tsunoda out of the race. Magnussen was found predominantly responsible for the incident and was given a 10-second time penalty.Â
Jack Doohan Sprint Race Incident
In the Sprint race, Jack Doohan attempted a late overtake on Gabriel Bortoleto at Turn 14 but locked up, resulting in a collision that caused Bortoleto to spin and Doohan to sustain front wing damage. The stewards ruled Doohan predominantly at fault, imposing a 10-second time penalty and two penalty points on his Super Licence.
These incidents highlight the challenges and split-second decisions drivers face during a race, underscoring the importance of adherence to regulations to ensure safety and fairness in Formula 1.
