F1 drivers handed future 'higher penalties' warning after seven escape following Canadian GP

Seven F1 drivers, including debut podium claimer Kimi Antonelli, have all been handed warnings for overtaking under safety car conditions after the chequered flag in the Canadian Grand Prix.

The investigation was sparked by an incident on lap 67 of 70 when Lando Norris ran into the back of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in attempting to overtake along the start-finish straight.

It resulted in Norris hitting a wall, with his stricken MCL39 coming to rest 100 metres further down the track. Naturally, it resulted in the introduction of the safety car, which carried the remainder of the field to the chequered flag.

Whilst the safety car was on track, however, Antonelli, Oscar Piastri, who finished third and fourth, along with Esteban Ocon, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly and Lance Stroll, all overtook at various stages, without consideration for what might be on track.

The stewards have determined, however, that their actions only deserve a warning.

A stewards' document for all seven read: "The driver overtook other cars after the chequered flag, but while safety car signals were still being displayed, following an incident on the start/finish straight involving car 4 (Lando Norris) and car 81 (Oscar Piastri).

"While passing after the chequered flag is not unusual, it is prohibited in the case of yellow flags, safety car or virtual safety car procedures.

"While the drivers were aware of where the incident was, they could have not known if emergency equipment or marshals were being dispatched onto the track, and so have to proceed with caution.

"We are therefore warning the driver concerned, along with all other competitors. Further breaches may incur higher penalties."