Formula One team is reprimanded for the second time in as many races.
Formula One team Williams have been fined 60,000 euros ($83,000) for the second race in a row after a wheel nut came off Pastor Maldonado’s car during practice at the Indian Grand Prix, the FIA said Saturday.
Maldonado was forced to pull off the circuit after his right-front wheel shed a nut during the second free practice at the Buddh International Circuit on Friday. Williams were punished in Suzuka, Japan for a similar offence two weeks ago.
“The stewards decide that a fine of 60,000 euros is the most appropriate penalty in this case taking into account that this was the second offence, but on this occasion the wheel was retained,” unlike in Suzuka, the FIA said in a statement.
“Whilst the stewards accept that improvements to the wheel retaining system had been implemented, the team need to ensure that both the wheel and its fastener are fully retained on the car,” they said.
There was no immediate comment from Williams, who are languishing in ninth place in the constructors championship with just one point.
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