Romain Grosjean has been handed a one-race ban and €50,000 fine for his part in the crash at the start of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.
Grosjean moved across on McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton as they approached the first corner. The two cars made contact before coming into contact with both Saubers and the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso.
Race stewards have decided that Grosjean was responsible for the incident and have handed him a one-race ban for the Italian Grand Prix next weekend. He has also been given a €50,000 fine.
“The stewards regard this incident as an extremely serious breach of the regulations which had the potential to cause injury to others,” a statement said. “It eliminated leading championship contenders from the race.”
Lotus have confirmed that they will not be appealing the stewards’ decision.
“The stewards note the team conceded the action of the driver was an extremely serious mistake and an error of judgement,” a Lotus statement said. “Neither the team nor the driver made any submission in mitigation of penalty.”