Michael Masi on Giovinazzi-Russell accident: 'It's a concern'

The 11th lap of the Belgian Grand Prix was marked by Antonio Giovinazzi going off the track. At turn 14 of the Spa circuit, the Italian lost control of his C39 after a driving error and hit the protective wall before returning to the track due to the impact.

But it was what happened next that caught the attention of the commissioners. After the impact, his left rear wheel came loose and George Russell, trying to dodge theAlfa Romeo of the Transalpin, hit it and found himself out of the race. A worrying situation for the FIA ​​which had nevertheless moved from double wheel attachments in 2011 then to triple in 2018.

« Yes, this is a concern, Michael Masi was alarmed. Why did the wheel come off? I'm not 100% sure. As soon as the car returned to the pit area, our technical teams had already started their investigation. She took a number of photos and we have all the images available ».

An investigation is planned to understand why the wheel of the C39 came off after the impact, says the race director. “ The technical service, in collaboration with the security service, will investigate the reasons for this situation (…) The data will be scrutinized and analyzed. We must let the appropriate people take a complete look at the incident and the origin. ».

On George Russell's side, more fear than harm in the end. Collateral victim, the pilot Williams tried to get around Antonio Giovinazzi, in vain. “ I'm doing well, thanks. I saw Antonio hit the wall. I barely had a second to choose between right and left.

I saw him coming back to the right side of the track so I chose to go to the left. Unfortunately, one of his tires came loose and hit my car... » regrets the Englishman.

Immersed in this matter, the FIA ​​should soon provide an initial assessment on the why and how of the incident.

Discover the full report and analysis of the Belgian Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondent in the Ardennes, in issue 2276 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version, and on newsstands tomorrow.