Kamui Kobayashi fined for pit stop incident

Sauber’s Kamui Kobayashi has been fined for his incident in the pits during Sunday’s British Grand Prix, where the Japanese driver entered his pit box and bowled over several of his awaiting mechanics. Although Kobayashi took full responsibility for the incident, he was still issued a hefty €25,000 fine.

The offense was a clear breach of article 30.13 of the FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, which caused several minor injuries to team personnel. One mechanic was treated at the circuit’s medical centre for an injured thumb, whereas another was treated for cuts and bruises. A third team member was treated within the Sauber garage with a bruised foot.

“First of all the accident at the pit stop was my fault and I want to apologize to the team.” Explained Kamui Kobayashi after the race, “Of course I had to push hard for points, but without doubt I braked too late in the pit lane. The front wheels locked, I couldn’t control the car, and this is how I overshot the pit box. I am terribly sorry this happened, and I hope the three mechanics I hit get well soon.”

Kamui Kobayashi was the sole finishing Sauber, after Sergio Perez’s collision with Pastor Maldonado. The Japanese driver eventually finished the race 11th, just outside the points. Sauber will undoubtedly be heading to the German Grand Prix wishing to forget this weekend, which resulted in no points scored for the first time since the Monaco Grand Prix.

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