Was Kvyat Wrong to Criticize FIA Stewards?

Toro Rosso’s nightmare of a Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix was practically foreshadowed in the pit lane with driver Daniil Kvyat’s clutch failing shortly after ignition resulting in a critical delay and late entry onto the formation lap. 

Historically, this would have resulted in an automatic start from the back of the grid, but rule 36.8 in the 2017 edition of the FIA Sporting Regulations states that drivers are permitted to overtake during the formation lap to re-establish original starting order if it can be achieved before the first safety car line. If a driver is unable to do so, he must enter the pit and start the race from the end of the lane. Any driver failing to comply will receive a penalty under Article 38.3(d).  

Daniil Kvyat was unable to reach his original 11th position before the safety car line and thus received a subsequent drive through penalty.

However, Article 38.3(d) is a 10 second stop and go penalty which the stewards did not catch until after the first penalty had been served.

There are no current regulations pertaining to adjusting for an incorrect punishment so an extra penalty for the original offence was mandated infuriating Kvyat and leading him to call the FIA Stewards a “stupid circus” as well as other flagrant criticisms for race director Charlie Whiting. 

Ultimately, an issue with the wheel nut on the right rear tyre would conclude the race for the Russian driver and conclude a Sunday the Italian team would like to forget. 

Kvyat received two penalty points for this incident bringing him to a total of 5 in the past year (2 for causing a collision in the United States Grand Prix, and 1 from the Mexican Grand Prix). A driver is permitted a maximum of 12 points on their superlicense before receiving disciplinary action.

Given the circumstances, Kvyat criticism are warranted to an extent for this harsh penalty, however imposing the wrong punishment is rare and adjusting for this could be a possible regulation in the future. 

Haas driver Kevin Magnussen also received a two points penalty for overtaking under the virtual safety car resulting in two penalty points bringing him to a total of 5  in the past year.