Lotus defends Grosjean over Verstappen crash

Lotus trackside operations director Alan Permane took to his Twitter account to defend Romain Grosjean following the heavy crash he was involved in with Toro Rosso’s Max Verstappen during last weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.

The pair was fighting over tenth place when the supersoft-shod STR10 careered into the back of the E23 on the run down to the first corner and speared into the barriers at Ste Dévote head on.

While Verstappen emerges unscathed from his wrecked car, the Dutchman quickly accused Grosjean of brake testing him. But the stewards finally elected to give the F1 debutant a five-grid penalty for next month’s Canadian Grand Prix.

With some fans vehemently voicing their opposition to the sanction, Permane has decided to respond by disclosing further information on the data Lotus has submitted to the FIA.

Having qualified 11th, Grosjean was on course to secure his fourth consecutive points finish but had to retire shortly after the accident, which also prompted the Virtual Safety Car period that cost Lewis Hamilton the win at Monte Carlo.

Click here for a more light-hearted take on the Monaco Grand Prix. 

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

9 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

10 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

11 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

12 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

14 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

14 hours ago