• Canadian Grand Prix

No penalty for Button after Alonso collision

June 12, 2011 « Toro Rosso praises drivers after double points finish | »

The stewards at the Canadian Grand Prix have decided not to take any action over the collision between race winner Jenson Button and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso on lap 38.

Button, who holds on to his first win of the season as a result, attempted to pass Alonso into turn four but the pair collided as they ran out of room on the apex. The collision put the Ferrari out of the race and punctured Button's front-left tyre, dropping him to last before he fought back through the field.

"The Stewards have reviewed video evidence and heard from the drivers and team representatives regarding the incident on Lap 38 at Turn 3 between Car 5 (F. Alonso) and Car 4 (J. Button.)," read the stewards' statement.

"Car 5 was on an out lap having pitted. Car 4 appeared to be firmly established on the inside line prior to the entry of the corner and drove onto the kerb to avoid Car 5 on the outside. In view of the conditions and the statements by both drivers and their team representatives, the Stewards decide that this was a "racing incident" and have taken no further action."

Button was also involved in an earlier collision that put his team-mate Lewis Hamilton out of the race. Heading on to the pit straight Hamilton got a better exit from the final chicane and attempted to pass between the leading McLaren and the pit wall. However, Button closed the gap and the pair collided, causing damage to Hamilton's left-rear wheel.

After reviewing the data from the accident the stewards gave a three-point explanation of why the collision was neither drivers' fault.

"1) Exiting Turn 13 there was a legitimate overtaking opportunity for Lewis Hamilton as his speed was greater than Jensen Button's.

"2) Both drivers took lines substantially similar to many of the other drivers, and did not move as far to the left as the preceding driver, Michael Schumacher. At the moment after Hamilton moved to the left to pass, Button looked into his mirror. It appears from the position of Hamilton at that moment [and is confirmed by the drivers] that Button was unlikely to have seen Hamilton.

"3) At the point of contact Button had not yet moved as far to the left of the track as he had on the previous lap, or that Schumacher had on that lap. The Stewards have concluded that it was reasonable for Hamilton to believe that Button would have seen him and that he could have made the passing manoeuvre. Further, the Stewards have concluded that it is reasonable to believe that Button was not aware of Hamilton's position to his left. Therefore, the Stewards decide that this was a "racing incident" and have taken no further action."

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