F1 drivers criticise 'harsh' Dutch GP penalty: 'It feels too much'

Two F1 drivers have questioned the harsh penalties they were handed at the Dutch Grand Prix last Sunday.

Both Arvid Lindblad and Franco Colapinto were issued drive-through penalties after being deemed guilty of overtaking through yellow flags.

The end of the opening lap of the race saw Max Verstappen hit the wall at the final corner after being caught out in slippery conditions.

As the pack drove past the wreckage, Lindblad and Colapinto moved ahead in the order, but were subsequently punished with a drive through the pit lane and penalty points on their super licence.

Lindblad questioned the need for such an extreme penalty, believing it cost him a point-scoring result.

“We were in a really good position after the first lap, the penalty was a bit harsh,” Lindblad told media including RacingNews365.

“I think we can all agree it's quite extreme, but fine, it is what it is. There's no point speculating about it now, it's done. 

“Just a bit sad because that ruined our race. After that, we actually executed quite a strong one.

“Just sad not to get any points because the team and I, we deserve that, and no doubt that without the penalty it would have been P8.

“I felt like they were more setting a precedent than actually weighing up the offence and having the penalty for it.”

Colapinto insisted he was taking measures to escape the crash and debris unscathed, stating that slowing up would have created a more dangerous situation.

“I feel they have been extremely harsh,” Colapinto said. “It's their job but it's also their job to be a bit flexible and understand the situation.

“They did a very late yellow flag when I was finishing my overtake, and it was clearly much more dangerous to slam on the brakes, accelerate in the middle of the straight on the banking and the wet when everyone was spinning.

“So, to me, it's just a bit harsh. For both me and Lindblad, especially a drive-through, it kills your race. It feels so much.”