Merhi banned from remainder of Red Bull Ring meeting

The decision by race officials means that Merhi will be unable to take up his front row starting position for race two, which is scheduled to take place at 6.20pm local time.

After crossing the line in fourth place, Merhi – driving with Pons Racing in the F1 feeder series – slowed down dramatically. “It is up to the driver or his management company if they want to say something, and right now Roberto is not ready to speak”.

Both drivers were OK, but Merhi has felt the long finger of the stewards on his collar as a result of his actions. He will also not be permitted to race in the second race later on Sunday.

The crash was the final blow in a nightmare race for Merhi with the 24-year-old already deducted a 10-second penalty during the race for exceeding the track limits, relegating him to 11th and outside the points.

He drastically reduced his speed after the finish line, reporting on Twitter that he was trying to get the vehicle stopped due to suspension damage. Then I would like to denounce the excessive of the penalty imposed on me, and prevent me from fighting for victory in the second race this afternoon.

“Watching the video of the accident it’s obvious that when I slow down I move towards the pitwall and the people behind me are quite far away and on the other side of the start finish line”.