Whiting responds to Grosjean 'absolute nonsense' penalty claim

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Romain Grosjean mocked the FIA for the five-second penalty he received last Sunday at Paul Ricard, a reaction which compelled Charlie Whiting to justify the decision, footage in hand.

Grosjean had slammed into Esteban Ocon's Force India on the run down to Turn 1 shortly after the start of the French Grand Prix, a move the Stewards viewed as wrongful.

The Haas driver was astonished by the penalty however, claiming the Stewards' decision was "absolute nonsense" and perhaps the result of an overdose of rosé wine!

Innocent Grosjean ruffled by unresponsive Ocon

Whiting publicly responded to the driver's reaction, explaining why the penalty was fair and square.

"It's fairly clear he [Grosjean] just bumped into him", said Whiting, relying on overhead footage that showed Grosjean moving over on Ocon.

"That’s why the stewards penalised him. He’d moved him over, two of his [Ocon’s] wheels were off the track anyway, and then he just gave him a final little help on his way."

Whiting also told Motorsport.com that Grosjean had not discussed the penalty with the French Grand Prix Stewards or asked the FIA for clarity, although he did vent his frustrations to the media in Austria.

"Romain’s made his position clear to you guys without discussing it with us," said Whiting.

"I’d like to point out he didn’t come to us after the race to have a chat about it either.

"It would have been good if he’d come to us after the race and said ‘Look, I really feel I was harshly dealt with there and could you tell me why?’ and we would have shown him footage."

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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.