{"id":2027784,"date":"2026-07-05T08:57:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-05T05:57:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2027784"},"modified":"2026-07-05T08:57:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-05T05:57:20","slug":"f1s-unluckiest-driver-questions-yellow-flag-rule-despite-escaping-punishment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2027784","title":{"rendered":"F1&#8217;s &#8220;unluckiest&#8221; driver questions yellow flag rule despite escaping punishment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423642_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>F1&#8217;s &#8220;unluckiest&#8221; driver questions yellow flag rule despite escaping punishment<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Esteban Ocon has questioned an F1 yellow flag rule despite escaping punishment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Adam Cooper <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-07-05T09:57:20+01:00\">05 Jul 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423642_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423642_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423642_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423642_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423642_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423642_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423642_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423642_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423642_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Ocon escaped punishment in F1 qualifying at Silverstone<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Esteban Ocon has questioned the rule that allows drivers to keep their laps when passing through yellow flags with a quick lift in Formula 1 qualifying &#8211; despite escaping punishment himself.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The issue has been a talking point since George Russell was able to keep his pole lap in Austria after satisfying the FIA stewards with a brief lift, and a similar case occurred with Ocon on Saturday, albeit with less attention focussed on it.<\/p>\n<p>The Haas driver lifted when he came across a spinning Franco Colapinto late in Q1, and a single yellow was displayed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Ocon escaped punishment following an investigation<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In backing off he compromised his lap enough to miss progressing to Q2 in P17, and he noted on team radio that he was \u201cthe unluckiest guy\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>However he did improve his lap time, and that triggered an investigation.<\/p>\n<p>The stewards duly decided to take no further action, noting that \u201cthe telemetry confirmed that the driver lifted earlier, applied greater brake pressure than on his comparable fast lap, and demonstrated a discernible reduction in speed through the relevant yellow flag marshalling sector compared with that representative lap under similar conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-3f8ea41684ba42b790e7c9c11df681ff53f9de92f7b6314a788792772338e519\">  Bearman admits Austria form was a \u201cpunch in the face\u201d as Haas struggles emerge   &#8216;Get my car healthy&#8217; &#8211; One driver&#8217;s plea after tough F1 Austrian GP <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Nevertheless he remained frustrated at the loss of the opportunity to progress further in qualifying.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s been like that all year, I don&#8217;t have any words anymore,\u201d he said when asked by <em>Crash.net <\/em>about his \u201cunluckiest\u201d comment. \u201cIf there&#8217;s one guy that takes the yellow flag, it has to be me. He was there for what, 10 seconds? And then he got going again, and obviously I passed through.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was single yellow. The engineers, Laura [Muller], and the strategists, they were on it because they told me single yellow. So I was aware, and I could see the smoke, I was aware it was a single yellow, so I managed to prepare.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-771d2ee6fd3c3aaf17ad89fbdf98f7fd212ab80dba0aade8e07ca028d77ba382\">  \u2018Chilled\u2019 Ocon delivers sweary response as F1 exit rumours persist   Le Mans 24 Hours winner gets F1 outing with Haas in Austria <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Regarding the rule that allowed him to keep his time he said: \u201cI lost only two-tenths through the corner, which I don&#8217;t know if this is the correct thing to do, not slowing down too much under a yellow flag. But anyway, that\u2019s what we have to do for performance. That\u2019s how the rule is written.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo I lost only two-tenths. But the problem is because I go back on throttle early on the exit, I also lose down the straight, with SOC [state of charge]. So I lost a bit more, two tenths and a half, and it would have been enough to go through. It was a shame because the car was mega.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Ocon will start Sunday&#8217;s British GP from 17th<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ocon stressed that he had done enough to acknowledge the yellow flag: \u201cIt was the same as George, I lost the same amount of time. I feel correct in my shoes \u2013 I don\u2019t know if how that is how you say it!<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor me you have to clearly show a sign of time loss and a sign on the pedals that you are slowing down, and that you acknowledge what the issue is ahead. So I\u2019ve acknowledged, I&#8217;ve lifted probably 50 or 70 metres more.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Meanwhile Ocon was much happier with the overall performance of his VF-26 after recent struggles.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe car was back healthier than it was in the last three events, which is very positive. We don&#8217;t have the same degradation that we had in the last three events, we managed to complete the sprint race with decent pace.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow we\u2019ve got some decent pace [in qualifying] as well, I was ahead of where we should have been, 12 or 13, I was ahead of all the pack that we should have been ahead on the second set, so we were on for decent Q2.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think hopefully a bit closer to Q3 once we get two more sets of tyres after that. I was pretty happy with the job we\u2019ve done. It feels like a missed opportunity.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor the first time in a while we have a competitive and let\u2019s say healthy car, and unfortunately it ends up like that, so I\u2019m gutted for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Haas<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Esteban Ocon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> F1 president reveals plan to restore one of 2026\u2019s lost races &#8211; and what it means for the calendar<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1406333_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1406333_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1406333_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1406333_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1406333_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1406333_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1406333_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1406333_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1406333_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Toto Wolff says \u2018emotional\u2019 Fred Vasseur \u2018misunderstood\u2019 his controversial Ferrari F1 upgrade comments<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423754_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423754_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423754_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423754_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423754_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423754_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423754_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423754_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423754_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-6fff45324d3f41be5be102f3dad1266222978a6f943b8266b2321ad8b5d23c49\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/ac-2.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/ac-2.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/ac-2.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Adam Cooper<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Journalist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Adam Cooper attended his first F1 race at Brands Hatch as a 10-year-old fan in 1976. He became a freelance journalist for Autosport magazine in 1985 while still at university, initially covering everything from club racing to the FIA World Sportscar Championship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-8b5a4d76bed984bcd0d78651c0ecdaff920dad5fa5be368975ef43c793e8145d\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>McLaren F1 reserve Fornaroli loaned to Haas for TPC run after Barcelona FP1 debut<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1781615160\"> 16\/06\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1416673_hires_0.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Fornaroli makes his McLaren debut in Barcelona\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ollie Bearman denied Monaco F1 redemption after &#8220;super-strange&#8221; crash<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780825500\"> 07\/06\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/bs0a1862-2-1.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Bearman in Monaco\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Esteban Ocon explains Monaco blocking dispute with F1 team-mate Ollie Bearman<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780681740\"> 05\/06\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1412641_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Ocon in Monaco\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Haas reveals timeline for F1 2027 line-up decision amid Ocon rumours<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779972690\"> 28\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1409721_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Ocon&apos;s F1 future is up in the air \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>One F1 team&#8217;s major Canada upgrade package has left it &#8220;chasing our tails&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779618600\"> 24\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1410537_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Ollie Bearman, Haas, 2026 Canadian GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>PETA demands F1 Canadian GP action after Albon&#8217;s groundhog crash<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1779609600\"> 24\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1282829_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Groundhogs make the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve their home \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>Latest News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-2c8afee4830cd5c4c91113fd9c23e6f25dd149cae6cacca16ebf1ae4f6b42431\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Wolff responds to &#8217;emotional&#8217; Vasseur after Ferrari upgrade comments<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783247841\"> 45s ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423754_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423754_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423754_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Starting grid for F1 2026 British Grand Prix after one penalty <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783242051\"> 1h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423617_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423617_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423617_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why F1&#8217;s &#8220;unluckiest&#8221; driver has questioned yellow flag rule<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783241840\"> 1h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423642_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423642_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423642_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How to watch today&#8217;s F1 British Grand Prix for free in the UK<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783241000\"> 1h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422875_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422875_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422875_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>F1 president reveals plan to restore one of 2026\u2019s lost races<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783240749\"> 1h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1406333_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1406333_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1406333_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>More News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-78599899cce3cf6123e138ca1a8476cb8871e484bf21b2f477dcfe9151f4a32e\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>McLaren \u2018surprised\u2019 as Mercedes finds way to revive banned F1 engine trick<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783238939\"> 2h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423483_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423483_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423483_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Where George Russell is suffering compared to Kimi Antonelli at Silverstone<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783188000\"> 16h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423615_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423615_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423615_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Antonelli admits team call made him &#8216;stressed&#8217; on Silverstone pole lap<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783187890\"> 16h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423700_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423700_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423700_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Hamilton reveals cost of Ferrari problem in Silverstone qualifying <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783185959\"> 17h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423624_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423624_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423624_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> Norris delivers damning \u201cno excuses\u201d verdict as McLaren MCL40 \u201cnot good enough\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783185875\"> 17h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423095_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423095_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423095_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Esteban Ocon has questioned an F1 yellow flag rule despite escaping punishment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Esteban Ocon has questioned the rule that allows drivers to keep their laps when passing through yellow flags with a quick lift in Formula 1 qualifying &#8211; despite escaping punishment himself.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The issue has been a talking point since George Russell was able to keep his pole lap in Austria after satisfying the FIA stewards with a brief lift, and a similar case occurred with Ocon on Saturday, albeit with less attention focussed on it.<\/p>\n<p>The Haas driver lifted when he came across a spinning Franco Colapinto late in Q1, and a single yellow was displayed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Ocon escaped punishment following an investigation<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In backing off he compromised his lap enough to miss progressing to Q2 in P17, and he noted on team radio that he was \u201cthe unluckiest guy\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>However he did improve his lap time, and that triggered an investigation.<\/p>\n<p>The stewards duly decided to take no further action, noting that \u201cthe telemetry confirmed that the driver lifted earlier, applied greater brake pressure than on his comparable fast lap, and demonstrated a discernible reduction in speed through the relevant yellow flag marshalling sector compared with that representative lap under similar conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-3f8ea41684ba42b790e7c9c11df681ff53f9de92f7b6314a788792772338e519\">  Bearman admits Austria form was a \u201cpunch in the face\u201d as Haas struggles emerge   &#8216;Get my car healthy&#8217; &#8211; One driver&#8217;s plea after tough F1 Austrian GP <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Nevertheless he remained frustrated at the loss of the opportunity to progress further in qualifying.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s been like that all year, I don&#8217;t have any words anymore,\u201d he said when asked by <em>Crash.net <\/em>about his \u201cunluckiest\u201d comment. \u201cIf there&#8217;s one guy that takes the yellow flag, it has to be me. He was there for what, 10 seconds? And then he got going again, and obviously I passed through.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was single yellow. The engineers, Laura [Muller], and the strategists, they were on it because they told me single yellow. So I was aware, and I could see the smoke, I was aware it was a single yellow, so I managed to prepare.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-771d2ee6fd3c3aaf17ad89fbdf98f7fd212ab80dba0aade8e07ca028d77ba382\">  \u2018Chilled\u2019 Ocon delivers sweary response as F1 exit rumours persist   Le Mans 24 Hours winner gets F1 outing with Haas in Austria <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Regarding the rule that allowed him to keep his time he said: \u201cI lost only two-tenths through the corner, which I don&#8217;t know if this is the correct thing to do, not slowing down too much under a yellow flag. But anyway, that\u2019s what we have to do for performance. That\u2019s how the rule is written.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo I lost only two-tenths. But the problem is because I go back on throttle early on the exit, I also lose down the straight, with SOC [state of charge]. So I lost a bit more, two tenths and a half, and it would have been enough to go through. It was a shame because the car was mega.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Ocon will start Sunday&#8217;s British GP from 17th<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ocon stressed that he had done enough to acknowledge the yellow flag: \u201cIt was the same as George, I lost the same amount of time. I feel correct in my shoes \u2013 I don\u2019t know if how that is how you say it!<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor me you have to clearly show a sign of time loss and a sign on the pedals that you are slowing down, and that you acknowledge what the issue is ahead. So I\u2019ve acknowledged, I&#8217;ve lifted probably 50 or 70 metres more.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Meanwhile Ocon was much happier with the overall performance of his VF-26 after recent struggles.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe car was back healthier than it was in the last three events, which is very positive. We don&#8217;t have the same degradation that we had in the last three events, we managed to complete the sprint race with decent pace.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow we\u2019ve got some decent pace [in qualifying] as well, I was ahead of where we should have been, 12 or 13, I was ahead of all the pack that we should have been ahead on the second set, so we were on for decent Q2.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think hopefully a bit closer to Q3 once we get two more sets of tyres after that. I was pretty happy with the job we\u2019ve done. It feels like a missed opportunity.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor the first time in a while we have a competitive and let\u2019s say healthy car, and unfortunately it ends up like that, so I\u2019m gutted for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Esteban Ocon has questioned the rule that allows drivers to keep their laps when passing through yellow flags with a quick lift in Formula 1 qualifying &#8211; despite escaping punishment himself.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The issue has been a talking point since George Russell was able to keep his pole lap in Austria after satisfying the FIA stewards with a brief lift, and a similar case occurred with Ocon on Saturday, albeit with less attention focussed on it.<\/p>\n<p>The Haas driver lifted when he came across a spinning Franco Colapinto late in Q1, and a single yellow was displayed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423693_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Ocon escaped punishment following an investigation<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In backing off he compromised his lap enough to miss progressing to Q2 in P17, and he noted on team radio that he was \u201cthe unluckiest guy\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>However he did improve his lap time, and that triggered an investigation.<\/p>\n<p>The stewards duly decided to take no further action, noting that \u201cthe telemetry confirmed that the driver lifted earlier, applied greater brake pressure than on his comparable fast lap, and demonstrated a discernible reduction in speed through the relevant yellow flag marshalling sector compared with that representative lap under similar conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-3f8ea41684ba42b790e7c9c11df681ff53f9de92f7b6314a788792772338e519\">  Bearman admits Austria form was a \u201cpunch in the face\u201d as Haas struggles emerge   &#8216;Get my car healthy&#8217; &#8211; One driver&#8217;s plea after tough F1 Austrian GP <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Nevertheless he remained frustrated at the loss of the opportunity to progress further in qualifying.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s been like that all year, I don&#8217;t have any words anymore,\u201d he said when asked by <em>Crash.net <\/em>about his \u201cunluckiest\u201d comment. \u201cIf there&#8217;s one guy that takes the yellow flag, it has to be me. He was there for what, 10 seconds? And then he got going again, and obviously I passed through.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was single yellow. The engineers, Laura [Muller], and the strategists, they were on it because they told me single yellow. So I was aware, and I could see the smoke, I was aware it was a single yellow, so I managed to prepare.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-771d2ee6fd3c3aaf17ad89fbdf98f7fd212ab80dba0aade8e07ca028d77ba382\">  \u2018Chilled\u2019 Ocon delivers sweary response as F1 exit rumours persist   Le Mans 24 Hours winner gets F1 outing with Haas in Austria <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Regarding the rule that allowed him to keep his time he said: \u201cI lost only two-tenths through the corner, which I don&#8217;t know if this is the correct thing to do, not slowing down too much under a yellow flag. But anyway, that\u2019s what we have to do for performance. That\u2019s how the rule is written.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo I lost only two-tenths. But the problem is because I go back on throttle early on the exit, I also lose down the straight, with SOC [state of charge]. So I lost a bit more, two tenths and a half, and it would have been enough to go through. It was a shame because the car was mega.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-06\/xpb_1418838_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Ocon will start Sunday&#8217;s British GP from 17th<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ocon stressed that he had done enough to acknowledge the yellow flag: \u201cIt was the same as George, I lost the same amount of time. I feel correct in my shoes \u2013 I don\u2019t know if how that is how you say it!<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor me you have to clearly show a sign of time loss and a sign on the pedals that you are slowing down, and that you acknowledge what the issue is ahead. So I\u2019ve acknowledged, I&#8217;ve lifted probably 50 or 70 metres more.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Meanwhile Ocon was much happier with the overall performance of his VF-26 after recent struggles.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe car was back healthier than it was in the last three events, which is very positive. We don&#8217;t have the same degradation that we had in the last three events, we managed to complete the sprint race with decent pace.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow we\u2019ve got some decent pace [in qualifying] as well, I was ahead of where we should have been, 12 or 13, I was ahead of all the pack that we should have been ahead on the second set, so we were on for decent Q2.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think hopefully a bit closer to Q3 once we get two more sets of tyres after that. I was pretty happy with the job we\u2019ve done. It feels like a missed opportunity.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor the first time in a while we have a competitive and let\u2019s say healthy car, and unfortunately it ends up like that, so I\u2019m gutted for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1100253\/1\/f1s-unluckiest-driver-questions-yellow-flag-rule-despite-escaping-punishment&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423642_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] F1&#8217;s &#8220;unluckiest&#8221; driver questions yellow flag rule despite escaping punishment Esteban Ocon has questioned an F1 yellow flag rule despite escaping punishment. Adam Cooper 05 Jul 2026 Share Ocon escaped punishment in F1 qualifying at Silverstone Add as a preferred source Esteban Ocon has questioned the rule that allows drivers to keep [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-2027784","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2027784","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2027784"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2027784\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2027784"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2027784"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2027784"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}