The Haas Formula 1 team has been fined for an unsafe release during the second practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix.
Kevin Magnussen, who placed eighth in the session, was released from his pit box after a practice stop during the closing stages, but a wheel had not been firmly attached.
Stewards concluded that Haas admitted the blue ‘okay’ light had been accidentally triggered on the wheel gun, falsely signalling that the wheel had been correctly fitted.
Haas immediately reacted and instructed Magnussen to stop, which he did in a safe manner in second.
Stewards had the option to apply a grid penalty but felt it was not appropriate due to Haas’ quick response and explanation, instead issuing a fine of €5,000.
It marked the second unsafe release of the day after McLaren was issued with a €10,000 sanction for sending out Stoffel Vandoorne into the path of Sebastian Vettel in the first session.
