Chinese GP: Esteban Gutierrez punished for Adrian Sutil clash
Esteban Gutierrez has been handed a five-place grid penalty for Bahrain after his crash during the Chinese Grand Prix
The Mexican Sauber driver outbraked himself five laps into the race and crashed into the back of Adrian Sutil's Force India.
Rookie Gutierrez retired on the spot with a heavily damaged car, while Sutil managed to return to the pits but was also forced to retire due to the damage suffered.
"As I turned into the corner, I felt a hit from the rear and that was it. I think Gutierrez just braked late for the corner," said Sutil.
Race stewards gave the Sauber driver a penalty for causing the accident, and he will drop five places on the grid next week in Bahrain.
Gutierrez fully accepted that it was his mistake.
"I had Checo [Perez] fighting behind me, and I approached the corner too fast," he said.
"I was braking at the same place where I usually brake, however, I didn't anticipate the loss of downforce and the amount of speed I had.
"I tried my best to stop, but didn't succeed. It was definitely my fault, and I apologise to Adrian and to his team."
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About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Adrian Sutil , Esteban Gutierrez |
| Author | Pablo Elizalde |
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