Quebecer Lance Stroll will start from the back of the grid at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix this weekend, after being involved in a collision early in qualifying on Saturday.
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The session was neutralized when Stroll and fellow Canadian Nicholas Latifi (Williams) made contact.
The Aston Martin team representative tried to take a turn, but did not see his rival, who dived to his right.
There seemed to be a misunderstanding between the two drivers, as Latifi first let Stroll pass, before overtaking him again when he saw the latter slowing down as another car approached.
Stroll was deemed responsible for the crash and was penalized three positions on the starting grid, which does not change anything since he was without a time. So he will leave 20e and last.
“It was not easy to prepare the car for qualifying, but [les mécanos] They succeeded. It was shameful to be involved in a bizarre incident with Nicholas in Q1, however,” he said, his remarks being transcribed by the Aston Martin website.
“It happened in a tight spot on the track and I was following the curve to the right. When I went inside he accelerated at the last second and we made contact,” added Stroll, preferring to forget that day to focus on the race.
Charles Leclerc clinched the lead position and it’s the first time since 2007 that a Ferrari will start from the front row in Melbourne.
AFP
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco drives during the qualifying session at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit on April 9, 2022, ahead of the 2022 Formula One Australian Grand Prix.
At the time, Kimi Raikkonen started the Grand Prix in first position and won.
Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will follow on the starting grid.