After a chaotic Qualifying session at the FIA F3 Monaco GP, three drivers from different teams received penalties. Whilst only one of them was disqualified, all three will suffer greatly from these sanctions.
Nicola Lacorte – Disqualified from Qualifying
The Stewards handed Nicola Lacorte the harshest penalty of the weekend, disqualifying him from F3 Monaco GP Qualifying. The DAMS Lucas Oil driver ran off at Turn 1 and rejoined the circuit with physical assistance from the marshals—an action that breaches Article 31.4 of the FIA F3 Sporting Regulations.
In addition, Lacorte continued to participate in the session after receiving the black flag, breaching Appendix H, Article 2.5.4 1d) of the FIA International Sporting Code. As a result, the Stewards deleted all lap times set after the black flag was shown.
Despite the disqualification, the Stewards permitted Car 29 to start both the Sprint and Feature races from the back of the grid. On a circuit like Monaco, where overtaking is notoriously difficult, this setback could significantly hinder Lacorte’s weekend. All drivers who qualified behind him will move up one place on the starting grid.
Rafael Câmara – Three-place grid drop
TRIDENT’s Rafael Câmara received the second-most severe penalty: a three-place grid drop for both the Sprint and Feature races.
Following the end of the Qualifying session, the Stewards ruled that Câmara breached Article 31.9 of the FIA Formula 3 Sporting Regulations by failing to remain above the minimum delta time under Red Flag conditions.
As a result, Câmara will start three places lower in both races of the Monaco GP.
Brando Badoer – Loss of best lap time
The Stewards penalised Brando Badoer by deleting his best lap time, which had originally placed him in P12.
During Group B’s Qualifying session, the PREMA Racing driver hit the barrier at Turn 1, bringing out a Red Flag and delaying proceedings. After reviewing footage and speaking with Badoer and a team representative, the Stewards found him solely responsible for the incident—a breach of Article 33.5 of the FIA Formula 3 Sporting Regulations.
This penalty dropped Badoer to P13 on the grid for the Monaco GP. Although the least severe of the three penalties, it still compromised his starting position.
A difficult weekend ahead
Given how difficult overtaking is on the streets of Monte Carlo, these penalties could have a significant impact on the outcome of both the Sprint and Feature races. All three drivers will now face an uphill battle to recover lost ground.
