McLaren punished for Azerbaijan GP pit lane infringement

McLaren has been issued a €5,000 fine following an investigation by the stewards into a pit-lane infringement after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The Woking-based team was celebrating a superb drive from Oscar Piastri, who clinched the second victory of his F1 career after keeping Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc at bay for almost 30 laps around the Baku Street Circuit.

Following the grand prix, however, it was announced that McLaren was under investigation for an alleged breach of Article 34.13 of the sporting regulations relating to team personnel and equipment in the pit lane during a race.

The article specifically relates to the required use of helmets and appropriate eye protection which “is compulsory”.

Following a hearing, a stewards’ report read: “The Stewards heard from the team representative and reviewed video evidence.

“While it is not unusual for team personnel to move towards the Parc Fermé area before the end of the race, McLaren had team members and equipment in the pit lane while other teams were still pitting and thus created a potentially unsafe condition.”