Alfa Romeo Given $5,656 Fine For Kimi Raikonnen's Wheel Incident During Austrian Grand Prix

The front wheel of Kimi Raikkonen’s car fell off and hurtled down the track during Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix, causing great trepidation. The stewards handed a fine of $5,656 to the team for not setting the wheel right during the pit stop. Raikkonen pitted under the Safety Car, brought out after the retirement of George Russell from Williams, on Lap 51.

However, a cross-threaded wheel nut meant the wheel was not fitted the right way, but Raikonnen went back on the track. Four laps later, the front wheel came off to everyone’s surprise.

According to Formula 1, the onboard camera from Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari depicted the wheel bouncing in front before rolling into Turn 10 as Raikonnen pulled the C39 up on the start-finish straight.

Formula 1 stewards then fined the team for going against Article 28.13(c) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.

The stewards claimed that after looking at photos of the damaged wheel and the axle shaft, it is clear the wheel nut of the right front wheel became cross-threaded during the wheel change process. That was not identified by the team personnel at the time.

Raikkonen was in 12th position in the race when the wheel started coming off. He regretted the missed opportunity for points. His teammate, Antonio Giovinazzi, scored two points after finishing in ninth place.

The report added Raikkonen said he thought they were in a good place with the new tires, but for some reason, they did lose the right tire at the restart.

The stewards accept that neither the team nor the driver had the chance to realize the car was in an unsafe condition, so it did not stop the car, Yahoo Sport reported. The statement confirmed that the fine of $5,656 was appropriate.

Vettel’s Ferrari suffered a spin but recovered after contact with Carlos Sainz’s McLaren.