Magnussen says damage which triggered black-and-orange flag “was nothing”

In brief

Being forced to pit for damage unnecessary, says Magnussen

Following minor contact with Lewis Hamilton in the opening laps of the Canadian Grand Prix, Magnussen was shown the black-and-orange flag, instructing him to pit to repair front wing damage. Having run in fifth place initially, he failed to return to the points-paying positions after the early pit stop.

“We were forced to pit with the damage we had but it was nothing,” Magnussen said after the race. “The car was perfect to drive, there was no effect on the car. This is normal, you’ve got to be able to finish the race with some scratches on your car.”

A Virtual Safety Car period soon after he pitted cemented his position at the back of the field. “We could’ve got back in, but we were forced to pit and then there was a Virtual Safety Car and then everyone else pitted,” he said.

“It’s frustrating – it’s now four races or something where we haven’t scored points, so we want to get into the points again.”

FREC driver escapes horror crash at Zandvoort

Pietro Delli Guanti escaped injury after a horrifying crash during the Formula Regional European Championship race at Zandvoort on Sunday, in which his car was launched over a barrier.

Delli Guanti tangled with Esteban Masson at Hugenholtzboch. His car cleared the tyre barrier at the inside of the corner and landed on the grass near a marshalling post. The race was swiftly red-flagged.

Following the crash Delli Guanti was able to walk to the medical centre, where he was found to be in good condition.

The stewards ruled the collision was a racing incident. “Car 55 [Delli Guanti] went wide at the exit of turn one and lost speed. Car nine [Masson] came alongside him and contact was made.

“After hearing both parties and reviewing the onboard cameras, the stewards found that no driver was predominantly to blame. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.”

Ricciardo wearing mask to ‘take extra precaution’

Daniel Ricciardo, one of few F1 drivers still wearing a mask in the paddock, said he is being extra-cautious after contracting Covid-19 and missing the second pre-season…