F1 News: FIA Reaches Verdict On Daniel Ricciardo And Alex Albon Japanese GP Crash

The FIA has released its decision on Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon's crash on the opening lap of the Japanese GP.

Scuderia AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo arrives in the paddock area ahead of the Formula 1 / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman /

The FIA has declared the first-lap crash between Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon during the Japanese Grand Prix as a racing incident, deciding against any further action. The decision came after a detailed review involving both drivers and their team representatives.

Key Takeaways:

• The FIA concluded the collision between Ricciardo and Albon on the first lap of the Japanese Grand Prix was a racing incident, taking no further action.
• Both drivers provided aligned explanations, with Ricciardo admitting to not seeing Albon and Albon attempting an overtaking manoeuvre that led to the crash.
• The stewards noted that the presence of a third car and the fact that it was the first lap influenced their decision.

Nov 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Alpha Tauri driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia (3) arrives / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Following the chaotic start to the Japanese Grand Prix, which saw Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon's collision causing an immediate red flag, the FIA stewards conducted an in-depth investigation. The stewards reviewed various data, including positioning and marshalling system information, external and in-car video footage, and statements from both Ricciardo and Albon, alongside their team representatives.

The incident unfolded when Ricciardo, in an attempt to avoid a car to his left, failed to notice Albon on his right, leading to the collision at Turn 3. Albon, aiming to overtake on the outside, realised too late that Ricciardo hadn't seen him, and despite braking, couldn't avoid the contact. The stewards, taking into account the first-lap context and the additional factor of a third car's involvement, deemed the collision a racing incident, thereby deciding against any punitive measures.

Alex Albon and Daniel Ricciardo come together at Turn 2 during the 2024 Japanese GP. Both drivers are out of their cars. / Formula One X

The official letter from the Stewards reads:

"The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 3 (Daniel Ricciardo), the driver of Car 23 (Alexander Albon), team representatives and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, external and in-car video evidence. 

"The explanations of both drivers were aligned as to the facts of the incident. On the approach to Turn 3, the driver of Car 3 noticed Car 18 on his left and stated that he wanted to give that car sufficient room. 

"He stated he then looked to the apex of Turn 3. He did not see Car 23 on his right. The driver of Car 23 stated that he thought he could overtake Car 3 on the outside, into Turn 3, but then suddenly realised that Car 3 had not seen him, applied the brakes but could not avoid the contact with Car 3. 

"Accordingly we determine this to be a first lap incident and decide to take no further action. If this incident had occurred on a subsequent lap, or without the presence of the third car (Car 18), a different determination would have been made."

Both drivers, Ricciardo and Albon, had their races prematurely ended due to the collision, marking a disappointing conclusion to their Japanese Grand Prix efforts. The race itself saw Max Verstappen clinch the top spot, followed closely by Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz.

Another look back at the incident that has us under red flags here from the start in Suzuka 🔍#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/H88GGjBOV5

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 7, 2024