Red Bull hit with warning after McLaren impeding incident in Mexico FP1

Red Bull and Arvid Lindblad have been given a warning after the Briton impeded Arvid Lindblad during FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix.

Lindblad was one of nine rookies on track during the first session of the weekend but he got himself in trouble with the stewards.

Red Bull given warning after McLaren impeding incident

Less than 15 minutes into the session, Lindblad had O’Ward coming up behind him on a fast lap but while he was warned of the Mexican’s imminent arrival, he was then informed that the McLaren driver had backed off.

However, the stewards say Red Bull made a ‘misinterpretation of GPS data’ due to problems during the session.

This resulted in O’Ward arriving at the back of Lindblad and having to go onto the run-off area in order to avoid damage.

As a result, both Red Bull and Lindblad were given a warning.

The stewards said: The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 36 (Arvid Lindblad), the driver of Car 89 (Patricio O’Ward), team representatives and reviewed video, team radio and timing data.

During Free Practice 1, Car 89 (OWA) was on a fast lap and approached the slower Car 36 (LIN) from behind. LIN was initially warned by his team that OWA was closing the gap (Radio: “… So, OWA at 3,5 … 2 …”), but was immediately thereafter informed that OWA was backing off. This latter message appears to have been based on a misinterpretation of GPS data which we were told had an intermittent feed during the session.

As a result, in Turn 9, OWA caught up directly with LIN, whose car was positioned slightly to the right of the racing line but would have had better options to safely allow OWA to pass. To avoid contact, OWA took the run-off area but was able to continue without damage.

During the hearing, both drivers agreed that LIN’s team did not make full use of the available information to give precise instructions, and that LIN could have chosen a different line to facilitate an easier and safer pass for the faster car. OWA stated that he did not feel endangered at any time and remained in full control of his car.

Notwithstanding, the actions of LIN constituted an unnecessary impeding and were, objectively, potentially dangerous. As the incident occurred during Free Practice and had no sporting consequences, the Stewards decided to issue a Warning to the driver and the team.