Because slipstream is so important for a quick lap around Monza, the teams tried to stay close together in the Friday night session to maximize drag.
This meant there was an insane rush for the pit exit at the end of the second quarter as the teams released their cars at the final shootout spot for the top 10 spots for the sprint.
In the hectic scramble to get out, a number of cars were set free in the way of others.
Sebastian Vettel came out of the pits together with teammate Lance Stroll and had to drive around a team mechanic, which put him on a collision course with Lewis Hamilton, who had to swerve to avoid contact.
Then, moments later, it was discovered that one of Esteban Ocon’s crew had taken a dangerous position in the pit lane when he signaled the Frenchman to leave the pits.
After an investigation by the stewards, both teams were found guilty of unsafe release and fined.
Regarding the Vettel penalty, the commissioners said: “Several cars were released into the pit lane at the same time.
“The driver of Auto 5 (Vettel) was approved by his team, but the team’s other car was also approved at the same time. This caused Car 5 to move into the fast lane as Car 44 (Hamilton) passed and Car 44 had to swerve to avoid an incident. “
Regarding Ocon, the stewards added, “The Auto 31 (Ocon) team member responsible for clearing Auto 31 stepped back into the pit lane near the passing lane in the path of Auto 5.
“The stewards accept that members of other teams have also stepped this far into the pit lane, but they did not obstruct any other car and were not in a particularly dangerous situation. In the case of Auto 31, the stewards determined that this was an unsafe act. “
