Stroll and Leclerc handed reprimands for ‘erratic’ driving in FP3

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Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc were shown the yellow cards by the Spanish Grand Prix stewards who deemed the two drivers guilty of “erratic” driving in two separate incidents that occurred in FP3.

The pressure was on during Saturday’s final practice as drivers were eager to fine tune their set-ups ahead of qualifying.

In the closing minutes of the intense session, two incidents showed frustration boiling over after hot laps were spoiled.

The first flare-up happened when Lewis Hamilton, on a slow lap, unintentionally blocked Lance Stroll, who was on a flying lap, at Turn 5.

Hamilton quickly apologized and attempted to give Stroll space, but the Aston Martin driver steered towards him, causing minor contact on the exit.

Read also: Sainz edges Norris in intense final F1 practice in Barcelona

Both drivers were called in by the stewards to investigate the incident for potentially dangerous driving, and the Canadian was handed a reprimand for his “slight incidental contact” with the Mercedes.

Alonso "admitted that he wanted to express his displeasure to the other driver by pulling over on him at the exit", the stewards noted as the qualified the Aston charger’s driving as "erratic not dangerous"

In the second incident, Leclerc was under the impression that Lando Norris had impeded him through Turn 5, effectively ruining his push lap.

Furious and eager to clear the way, Leclerc swerved aggressively to the left as they exited the corner. This resulted in Leclerc making contact with Norris's front wing.

Unsurprisingly, both drivers were also called to answer to the stewards for the incident, potentially facing penalties for reckless driving.

“Irrespective of any possible intent, the Stewards consider the move made by Car 16, whilst not being dangerous, to be erratic,” read a statement from the officials.

Like Stroll, Leclerc was given a lucky break and hit with a formal reprimand.

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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.