Have the FIA eased the punishment on Williams due to financial problems?

F1 News

18 November 2019 at 13:18
5
  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

During the Brazilian Grand Prix, the Williams team released Robert Kubica out of the pit-box when Max Verstappen was driving down the pitlane. Kubica went straight into the path of the Dutchman, but they avoided any contact. Williams haven't received the usual punishment for this incident. 

For similar incidents, teams get fined and then the driver picks up a time penalty. In this case, this has changed. Kubica was awarded penalty points and the team wasn't handed a fine. It's strange that the other teams are usually fined, but Williams aren't.

As we know, Williams are under pressure financially. Old parts have been used on the car and Kubica was asked to retire from a race in order to save parts for future fly-away races. It is a sad situation, but perhaps Formula 1 has taken a little account of the financial situation of the Grove team. Williams have sat at the back of the grid for the last two seasons. 

Kubica did remain in his box for around a second after the green light was switched on, which could be a mitigating factor in the FIA's decision.