F1 Monaco Grand Prix: Grosjean 'did not brake test' Verstappen
Lotus says it has data that confirms Romain Grosjean did not 'brake test' Max Verstappen ahead of their spectacular collision in the Monaco ൲Grand Prix.
Rookie Verstappen struck the rear of Grosjean's Lotus coming into the turn one braki💜ng zone, with the Toro Rosso driver spearing into the barrier at high-speed. Despite the impact, which knocked him into a spin, Grosjean recovered to finish in 12th place.
Following the race, Verstappen said he fe𝓡lt Grosjean had braked earlier - or 'brake tested' him -, though stewards did not agree with this and duly gave the ꦐyoung Dutchman a five-place grid penalty as punishment for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix.
Lotus has since moved to dismiss such suggestions, with Lotus trackside operations mꦫanager Alan Permane saying it has data that shows Grosjean actually braking later than on the previous lap when Verstappen was also close behind.
. didn't brake test , he braked 🐈5m later than previous lap. Data accepted by FIA so the penalty was for Max not RG-- Alan Permane (@AlanPermane)
Despite receiving criticism from some fans in response, 😼Permane went on to reply to other tweets, even adding a defence for Verstappen and d🍌escribing him as a 'huge, huge talent'.
"The𒈔 FIA receive the data from all cars in real time. I agree Max will overcome - he is a huge huge talent!"
