Nael and Badoer handed post-Sprint Race penalties in Silverstone

Following the conclusion of the FIA Formula 3 Sprint Race at Silverstone, Van Amersfoort Racing’s Théophile Nael and PREMA Racing’s Brando Badoer have both received a post-race penalty.

Firstly, Nael has been handed a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.

During the race, Nael was alleged to have gained a lasting advantage in his attempt to overtake Car 11, Campos Racing’s Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak at Turn 3.

Following the race, the Stewards examined video evidence and heard from both drivers and their team representatives.

They determined that while Car 20 eventually returned the position to Car 11, it was only done so after four racing laps, and the Stewards were not satisfied that the advantage gained after four further laps had been surrendered.

In accordance with Article 39.3 a) of the FIA Formula 3 Sporting Regulations, a five-second time penalty was applied, with the Stewards viewing the handing back of the position to be a mitigating factor.

In addition to his in-race time penalty, the additional five seconds drops Nael from P12 in the classification down to 19th.

Finally, Badoer has received a grid drop of three places. During the opening lap, the Italian driver made contact with Car 12 of Nikola Tsolov.

Following the Sprint, the Stewards heard from both drivers along with the PREMA and Campos Racing team representatives and analysed available video evidence.

They determined that Car 1 had been wholly at fault for the contact, and as a result, elected to apply a lesser penalty, taking into considering the highly dynamic and crowded conditions presented early on Lap 1 that somewhat mitigated Car 1’s culpability.

Badoer will serve the penalty at the next race in which he competes.