The Portuguese Grand Prix made a return to the Formula 1 calendar after 24 long years. Almost all the drivers were racing at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve for the first time.
During a lap under a yellow flag, Sebastian Vettel witnessed Kimi Raikkonen overtaking and reported it back on the radio.
The Portimao race experienced winds clocking at 10-20kmph on the track towards the end, and the session was consequently yellow flagged, meaning the drivers were meant to keep their speed in check and not try to overtake.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, Sebastian Vettel in his Ferrari caught Kimi Raikkonen in the act. He radioed in and said, “Kimi overtook under yellow”.
Kimi Raikkonen was slapped with a penalty for a yellow flag violation in 2017
In 2017, while driving for Ferrari, Kimi Raikkonen was penalized with 3 penalty points on his license for failing to slow down for yellow flags. During the Belgian Grand Prix, the Iceman was also given a 10-second stop-go penalty during the race for his yellow flag transgression.
The yellow flag was waived while Max Verstappen’s car was being recovered. Kimi Raikkonen drove through the yellow flag zone at over 300kmph.
At the Portuguese Grand Prix, Kimi did not violate the speeding aspect of the yellow flag; however, he clearly overtook under a yellow flag, which is a violation as per the rules.
Kimi could receive penalty points on his license for failing to follow yellow flag guidelines, yet again.
READ MORE- WATCH: Kimi Raikkonen’s Insane Opening Lap at the Portuguese GP
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What does a Yellow Flag signify?
Flags are a vital part of ensuring and running any safe Grand Prix. They are the official way for race officials to be able to communicate with the drivers when they’re clocking extremely high speeds around the circuit.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A yellow flag indicates danger ahead. A single yellow flag forces the drivers to slow down. A double waved yellow flag means the drivers must be prepared to stop if necessary. According to the rule, overtaking under a yellow flag is prohibited.
READ MORE- Lando Norris Receives Grid Penalty for Ignoring Yellow Flags During Free Practice