Jean-Eric Vergne has been given a double penalty for his crash with Heikki Kovalainen during the European Grand Prix.
The Toro Rosso driver was found to have caused an avoidable accident when the two cars came together on lap 12. Both cars suffered punctures as a result of the accident – Kovalainen was able to carry on; however although Vergne made it back to the pits, the damage to his car was too great and he was forced to retire.
The stewards have given Vergne a ten-place grid slot penalty for the British Grand Prix as well as 25,000 euro fine.
“In view of the serious nature of the incident the Stewards have decided under Article 18.1 to apply two penalties,” said the stewards in a statement.
Article 18.1 of the sporting rules says, “The stewards may inflict the penalties specifically set out in these Sporting Regulations in addition to or instead of any other penalties available to them under the Code.”
