Liam Lawson and Sergio Perez escape punishments despite F1 rules breaches

Liam Lawson had avoided being penalised for a practice start infringement at the Austrian Grand Prix, despite the stewards confirming an infraction "technically occurred" before the race at the Red Bull Ring.

The New Zealander was not punished as the officials deemed his actions to be appropriate, given the circumstances.

In the decision document confirming no sanction was applied for the Racing Bulls driver, it said: "Car 30 was trying to line up for a practice start, but encountered another car which stopped in the pit exit road.

"In the process of passing this car and then making way for it after it started moving, Car 30 crossed the white line at pit exit at slow speed.

"After that, Car 30 crossed the line again to line up for a practice start as originally planned.

"The Stewards determine that, albeit a breach technically occurred, the actions taken by the driver of Car 30 were appropriate given the circumstances and therefore do not apply any penalty."

Sergio Perez, meanwhile, was also spared punishment by the stewards for his race start infraction, but was let off as he had already retired from the 71-lap race with overheating brakes.

"The car moved before the start signal was given," the official decision document stated. "This normally warrants a 5-second penalty (which would not convert into a grid drop for the next race).

"However, as the car had already retired from the race at the time the incident was brought to the attention of the Stewards, it does not seem appropriate to apply any time penalty. Therefore, the Stewards decide not to impose any penalty."