F2's Michel regrets Gelael's last-minute Silverstone penalty change
Formula 2 boss Bruno Michel says he "can fully understand" Sean Gelael's "frustration" after the Indonesian withdrew from the Silverstone round following a penalty issued shortly before the feature race
Gelael collided with Carlin's Louis Deletraz in practice - a clash Deletraz labelled a "racing incident" - but was given a reprimand, penalty points and then, just two hours before the race was due to start on Saturday, a three-place grid penalty.
Prema driver Gelael decided to take no further part in the F2 weekend and told Autosport he would use this week to consider his options regarding his future, saying his decision not to compete was a point of "principle".
Friday morning was a very short session for Sean Gelael
He and Louis Deletraz tripped over one another in practice#BritishGP ?? #F2 pic.twitter.com/EnJMMC3Pdk
— Formula 2 (@FIA_F2) July 12, 2019
Speaking in his post-weekend debrief called 'Bruno's take', series boss Michel stated: "For the first time in the history of Formula 2, the starting grid was only made up of 19 cars following the decision of Sean Gelael to withdraw from the event on Saturday.
"It's never the promoter's place to give an opinion on the Stewards' decisions.
"However, I can only regret the way Sean's penalty was revised at the last minute just ahead of the feature race.
"I can fully understand Sean's frustration and reaction.
"I can only hope that he will return to the grid to finish the season as he and his family have been an important part of this category for the past four years."
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments