FIA hit Doohan with first penalty in crucial rookie F1 season

Jack Doohan has been issued a 10-second time penalty for colliding with Gabriel Bortoleto during the sprint race in China.

The pair were running at the back end of the pecking order as the race entered its final stages.

On the last lap, Doohan attempted to overtake Bortoleto for 17th place - however contact was made between the duo, sending Bortoleto into a spin.

Nico Hulkenberg also picked up damage in the clash as he arrived on the scene moments later.

In addition to the 10-second time penalty, Doohan has been handed two penalty points on his super licence.

“Doohan attempted to overtake Bortoleto on the inside of Turn 14 but locked up at the apex of the corner and collided with Bortoleto,” read a statement from the stewards. 

“Doohan suggested that he was in control of the overtake but the presence of the two Haas cars and the line they took compromised his overtake attempt. 

“First, as the car attempting to overtake, the responsibility was on Doohan to ensure that it was done in a safe manner and in line with the regulations and the guidelines. 

“Secondly, applying the Driving Standards Guidelines, Doohan did not have the right to the corner at the apex and should have backed off – here, because of the speed at which he approached the corner for the overtake and the resulting lockup and understeer, a collision was caused, for which Doohan was predominantly to blame. 

“We therefore imposed the standard 10-second penalty with two penalty points.”

It continues Doohan's difficult start to his F1 season with Alpine after his home grand prix in Australia ended on the first lap.

The penalty does not impact Doohan's final position as he crossed the line in 20th place.

Liam Lawson was also investigated by the stewards for making contact with Doohan in the early stages of the sprint, but opted against issuing a penalty.