Di Grassi hit with fine for nonconforming... underwear! What !?

©WRI2

They say you can tell a lot about a person from his underwear, but in Lucas di Grassi's case it wasn't a question of wearing briefs or boxers in the Punta del Este's ePrix.

The Audi Abt Brazilian driver enjoyed a thrilling scrap on Saturday with Techeetah's Jean-Eric Vergne, eventually finishing runner-up to the Frenchman.

Di Grassi had flown by the seat of his pants during the epic duel but his second place finish was undisputed. Still, the reigning FE champion was summoned to the Stewards post-race for a rather odd reason.

"After checking the clothes, helmet and FHR [frontal head restraint, or HANS device] of the drivers it was found that the driver [wore] short flamed-resistant underwear pants which are not allowed by the ISC [international sporting code]," read the FIA bulletin.

Vergne extends Formula E points lead with Punta del Este win

A rather 'bummed' di Grassi was fined €10,000 for the infringement and given three penalty points, but was allowed to keep his podium finish.

"It was a mistake which was by my part," di Grassi told Motorsport.com.

"It should never happen – it was not something that I’m used to using.

"It was a decision that I took today because of the extreme heat and I ran out of underwear, and I didn’t want to use a wet one – so I just put a new one [on].

"We did all the safety that was required with the seatbelts, with the pitstops – everything that is actually really important for safety was done.

"And I didn’t think this underwear issue would be any issue. But of course I must be aware that I should wear compliance [kit] during a race."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.