Jean-Eric Vergne was allowed to keep his single point for finishing tenth at the Malaysian Grand Prix, despite a visit to see the race stewards after.
The Frenchman was unsafely released from his pit box during his first stop and made contact with Caterham’s Charles Pic – both of which sustained damage to their front-wings.
The stewards announced a post-race investigation into the matter and found the team guilty of ‘unsafe release’ and fined them €10,000 (£8,526, $12,980). Vergne wasn’t penalised.
He was happy to finish in the points but believes he could have been higher had it not been for the error.
“It’s good to finish in the points, but it’s a shame that a mistake in the pits cost us so much, as I could have done something better,” he said.
“So, overall I feel rather frustrated. But I’ll take the point gladly.”