In the Formula 1 qualification for the French Grand Prix, the Haas driver had to accept a severe penalty – because of a controversial rule.
Everything actually looked good for Mick Schumacher in qualifying for the French Grand Prix on Saturday. The Haas driver had just driven a strong lap that would have put him in 10th place – but then the blow came: the race control canceled the lap for the 23-year-old. The reason: Schumacher had illegally crossed the track barrier with all four tires and thus allegedly gained an advantage. When the driver was informed via the team radio, he replied in amazement: “Where? Turn three? Inside?” At the corresponding point, an advantage by crossing the track limitation is questionable.
And even after that, Schumacher was frustrated by the early qualification and the decision of the race management: “It didn’t look like it from our point of view. If you (the race management) think that, there is no reason to argue. You will not have your opinion change,” said Schumacher on Sky. And further: “It’s a shame! But then we just have to do more in the race and overtake more.” Later, Schumacher showed understanding: “If there is a rule, then it is there for everyone and unfortunately I actually drove over the track limits”. However, he also stressed angrily: “I drove exactly the same line in FP1, 2 and 3 (the free practice sessions, editor’s note) and in qualifying the lap time is then canceled. It would be good to get a hint beforehand.”