Following their collision on the first lap of the Suzuka circuit, Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon were summoned to meet with the stewards. This incident had caused a red flag situation, necessitating repairs to the barriers.
The Formula 1 stewards have concluded their investigation into the collision between Ricciardo and Albon during the Japanese Grand Prix. Despite the severity of the incident, they have opted not to impose any further penalties on Daniel Ricciardo.
The collision occurred at Turn 3 when Ricciardo’s Red Bull Racing car made contact with Albon’s Williams, resulting in both cars careening into the tire barrier. This event prompted the race to be temporarily halted for repairs.
Both drivers were required to explain their perspectives to the stewards. Ricciardo clarified that he intended to provide sufficient space for Lance Stroll, who was positioned on his inside. Consequently, he maneuvered towards the right side of the track, unaware of Albon’s presence.
Albon, realizing that Ricciardo had failed to detect him, applied the brakes in an attempt to avoid a collision. Despite these efforts, the two cars made contact, leading to the subsequent investigation by the stewards.
After thoroughly reviewing the available evidence, the stewards decided the incident. They categorized it as a “first lap incident” and determined that no further punitive measures against Ricciardo were warranted.
However, the stewards acknowledged that the outcome might have differed under alternate circumstances. They noted that had the collision transpired on a subsequent lap or if Stroll or any other third-party car had not been involved, a different decision might have been reached.
