The Alpine driver, Esteban Ocon, was in the pit lane during Free Practice 1 in Miami, when his team released him in a dangerous manner, narrowly risking a collision with another car: George Russell’s Mercedes.
The exits of the pit lane are very narrow and there are a lot of people, not necessarily protected like during the race. The FIA does not compromise on safety and a reprimand was given to the team and driver Esteban Ocon.
This is the first reprimand received by Ocon this season. Drivers are entitled to multiple warnings before being penalized. The FIA – International Automobile Federation, specifically distinguishes between warnings related to a moment in the race and an off-track warning. Here, the FIA has issued a non-race related warning.
Over a full season, the driver is allowed 5 warnings for dangerous driving. They will be penalized if at least 4 of them are related to incidents during the race. Needless to say, this penalty will have very little impact on Ocon’s season going forward. He risks a 10-place grid penalty if he breaks this rule.
