Max Verstappen given five-place grid penalty after Monaco crash
Dutchman made contact with Romain Grosjean; Penalty will be served in Canada
Sunday 24 May 2015 18:28, UK
Max Verstappen has been handed a five-place grid penalty for the Canadian Grand Prix after making contact with Romain Grosjean in Monaco.
The Toro Rosso and Lotus drivers were scrapping over 10th and the final championship point when the Dutchman hit the rear of E23 on the run to Sainte Devote, causing Verstappen to slam into the barriers.
The teenager claimed he been caught out by Grosjean braking too early for the corner, telling Sky Sports F1: “The lap before I braked on the same spot as when I crashed.
“But you could see when I braked the car ahead braked early and when you are going that speed and are quite close to each other, you can't do anything. You don't expect them to brake early."
However, the stewards felt Verstappen was to blame and, in addition to his five-place grid penalty, added two points to his super licence. Those are the first points on his licence and a driver who collects 12 within 12 months will be banned for one race.
Don’t miss the F1 Midweek Report for analysis and reaction to the Monaco GP. Natalie Pinkham is joined by F1 journalist Will Buxton and Lotus reserve driver Jolyon Palmer on Wednesday at 8:30pm on Sky Sports F1.
