FIA delivers verdict after Esteban Ocon summoned to stewards following Canada FP1

Esteban Ocon has escaped a penalty after meeting with the stewards following the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix FP1 session.

The Haas driver was investigated for leaving the pitlane when the light at the exit was red. After reviewing positioning, marshal system data, video, timings, telemetry and in-car video evidence, the stewards confirmed that no penalty was to be levied on Ocon.

While the video evidence did show that the Frenchman had crossed the line 1.11 seconds after the session had ended, the official letter from the stewards confirmed that “it is almost certain that the driver could not have seen the light change from green to red due to his close proximity to the line at the pit exit.”

The statement continued: “Therefore although a breach of regulation was committed, in view of the mitigating circumstances of the driver being unable to see the red light, no penalty is applied.”

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Photo by: Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images

In addition to the pitlane investigation, Ocon crashed during the later stages of the one and only practice session at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. He suffered a spin and crashed into the wall at the exit of Turn 4.

Although he lost the front wing, he was able to limp back to the pits, leaving a large amount of debris behind. His crash caused the third red flag of the session after Liam Lawson and Alex Albon also had separate issues.

Haas now has just a couple of hours to repair Ocon’s car before sprint qualifying, which will take place at 4.30pm local time (9.30pm UK time).

Ocon currently sits 16th in the drivers’ standings with one point. In comparison, his team-mate Oliver Bearman is eighth with 17 points.

Photos from Canadian GP – Friday