Lindblad avoids penalty after collision with Lawson in Baku

Arvid Lindblad escaped a penalty after colliding with Racing Bulls teammate Liam Lawson at Turn 1 during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Formula 1 stewards finding that restricted space and a chain reaction from a crash ahead were the main causes. Lawson said the impact damaged his car’s floor and compromised his race. Lindblad finished seventh and Lawson 12th. The contact came as the field approached Turn 1 after a safety-car restart. A separate collision involving Franco Colapinto, Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris occurred ahead, prompting drivers to react under braking, according to the stewards’ decision. They said Lindblad was positioned between cars on either side and concluded he was not wholly or predominantly to blame. The incident was classified as a typical first-corner collision after a restart, and no further action was taken. Lawson said he had been alongside Esteban Ocon and was trying to leave him room when he was hit from the left. He reported that the contact punched a hole in the floor, leaving him unable to fight effectively for the rest of the race. Lawson said he did not understand the decision but would not protest against his teammate.