Formula 1: Raikkonen escapes grid penalty as Ferrari is fined
Kimi Raikkonen has escaped a grid penalty at the Bahrain Grand Prix despite his Formula 1 car being released with a loose wheel after a practice pit stop error

The Finn set the pace in FP2 at the Sakhir circuit before stopping in the pits for a practice stop near the end of the session.
But a problem with the right front corner meant the wheel was not properly attached as he was released back out on to the track.
The FIA is strict when it comes to cars being allowed back on track with loose wheels in practice sessions - and the normal procedure is for a grid penalty to be imposed.
However, following a stewards hearing, it was decided that such a harsh sanction was not needed on this occasion because Ferrari had done everything possible to minimise the risks of the wheel coming off.
Instead, the FIA handed out a €5000 fine to the Maranello outfit.
An FIA statement said: "The stewards reviewed the video of the pitstop of Raikkonen at 19:14 and heard from the team representatives.
"The stewards determined that the car was released in an unsafe condition in breach of Art. 28.13.b, that the team ordered the car stopped immediately, and that the driver stopped as fast as he safely could.
"Consistent with previous instances where a car was stopped on track, the stewards decide that the mandatory grid place penalty could not be applied where the team took all appropriate actions, the stewards fined the team €5,000."
Speaking after the session, Raikkonen played down the tyre drama - and was not getting too carried away with his promising Friday form.
"I felt some vibrations and it was loose and we had to stop," he said.
"It's impossible to say what everybody is doing but not too bad.
"There's things we have to improve but it's a normal Friday when you try things to test you try to learn from them."


Previous article
Formula 1: Ferrari practice pace flattered by engine modes - Wolff
Next article
Formula 1: $150m budget cap is 'not achievable', says Mercedes

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Drivers | Kimi Raikkonen |
Teams | Ferrari |
Author | Jonathan Noble |
Formula 1: Raikkonen escapes grid penalty as Ferrari is fined
Trending
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Why Russell was right to be wrong about Bottas after Imola F1 clash
George Russell and Valtteri Bottas' collision at Imola on Sunday prompted fury in the Formula 1 paddock. But Russell's carefully-worded heartfelt statement later, acknowledging that his initial response was wrong, proved the right move
How Verstappen and Hamilton’s Imola clash sets the tone for F1’s 2021 title fight
In Max Verstappen's Formula 1 career to date, he has been cast as the 'pretender', an acknowledged top-line performer without the car to regularly challenge Lewis Hamilton. But that no longer applies in 2021, and the start to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was the most telling signal yet of what we can expect from their duel this year
How “overwhelming” McLaren move has given Ricciardo a new verve
Daniel Ricciardo has found a new lease of life at McLaren – a move that’s been years in the making, as he explains to STUART CODLING…
The German legend who raced and beat Nuvolari
Ninety years ago, Rudolf Caracciola became the first non-Italian to win the epic Mille Miglia. We look at how he stacks up to the most famous pre-war ace Tazio Nuvolari, one of the drivers he beat on that day in 1931
How 2021's midfielders have taken lessons from F1's top teams
Formula 1’s latest Imola adventure turned into an expensive trip for many teams due to several crashes throughout the weekend. While balancing the books is an added factor in 2021 with the cost cap, a few midfield teams have cashed in early on development investments
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Driver Ratings
A frantic wet race at Imola produced plenty of excitement and drama as drivers scrabbled for grip. Amid the hatful of mistakes and incidents that ensued, who kept their noses cleanest?
How the Emilia Romagna GP result hinged on three crucial saves
Rain before the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promised to spice up the action, and the race certainly delivered on that. Max Verstappen got the best launch to win from Lewis Hamilton, but both got away with mistakes that could have had serious consequences
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001