Nikola Tsolov handed grid penalty following Baku Feature Race violation

Following the conclusion of the FIA Formula 2 Feature Race in Baku, Nikola Tsolov has been handed a grid penalty that could impact his momentum in the championship. The decision comes after a technical violation during the race led to scrutiny from the officials.

The Violation: Pit Lane Infringement

The Stewards' investigation focused on a breach of ISC Apex L Ch IV 4(d). During the race, Tsolov was adjudged to have crossed the white line that separates the pit lane from the active track.

After examining video evidence, the Stewards determined that the driver of Car 6 crossed the pit entry line using his right wheels by approximately one meter. In response to this infraction, the officials opted for the lesser of the available penalties in accordance with the guidelines, issuing a five-second penalty.

Penalty Conversion to Grid Drop

While a time penalty is the standard recourse, the circumstances of the race dictated a different outcome. Because the driver of Car 6 retired from the race, the five-second penalty could not be served in-race.

Consequently, the Stewards have converted the time penalty into a three-place grid drop for the upcoming Feature Race 2. This development follows a pattern of regulatory scrutiny for the driver, who has previously dealt with various race incidents, such as his Barcelona F2 Feature Race penalty.

As a result of this ruling, Tsolov is now set to start Saturday’s race from P11, a significant setback for his qualifying ambitions in Baku.