Canadian GP: Will Stevens wants respect after Romain Grosjean clash
Manor's Will Stevens has called for more respect from his Formula 1 rivals when lapping cars following his Canadian Grand Prix collision with Lotus driver Romain Grosjean
After drawing alongside Stevens on the run down to the final chicane, Grosjean pulled back across onto the racing line too early and clipped the Manor's front wing.
Both were forced to pit, with Grosjean dropping from fifth to outside the top 10 and being handed a five-second time penalty for causing the collision.
"If cars want to try and cut across you like this in braking zones, those types of accidents are only going to happen more," said Stevens when asked by AUTOSPORT about the incident.
"I understand blue flags and that we need to let the guys past, but I feel like I am always really fair with that.
"In return I think it would be nice if they could respect us and give us at least a car width's room to take into the corner.
"Otherwise it ruins their race as they get damaged and it also ruins our race as well.
"I'd let a load of cars past in that same position, because it is the best place to do it.
"There was absolutely nowhere I could go unless I drive on the grass, which I don't think should be the rule.
"I don't know what else I could have done and I think that the fact he got a penalty proves that they [the stewards] also thought that there was nothing I could do."
Stevens said he had not talked to Grosjean about the clash.
"From my side, if he wants to come and talk to me about it then he can, but I think it is pretty clear what the problem is," he said.
When asked if the blue flag issue had been discussed during driver briefings, Stevens said: "There was quite a lot of chat about blue flags and what should be happening with them.
"Me and Roberto [Merhi] both felt coming into this weekend it [cutting across] is happening a lot.
"If we can be a bit more fair in the situation, it helps everyone. Situations shouldn't and would never happen again.
"So it's a problem that needs talking about because it will keep happening."
Grosjean, who recovered to finished 10th, took responsibility for the collision.
"They probably could have made it more clear that they would let me by, but it's my fault that I came back too much on the left," said the Frenchman.
"I thought I was by, I was concentrating on the chicane which is a tricky corner. It's my fault but I'll learn from that."
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About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Romain Grosjean , Will Stevens |
| Author | Lawrence Barretto |
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