Bahrain GP: Ferrari fined 50,000 euros

A Ferrari mechanic suffered a double leg fracture at the Bahrain GP during the pit stop where Kimi Raikkonen was released too early from his pit box.

The mechanic, Francesco was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, and Ferrari has confirmed he suffered a shinbone and fibula fracture.

Raikkonen was brought into the pits while he was running third in an attempt to try and perform an undercut on Mercedes but was given the signal to leave his stop while the mechanic was still working on the left rear of the car.

Raikkonen was forced to retire immediately after a message from the team on his team radio. Raikkonen said afterward: "I don't know what happened. For sure, it's not great for him".

He also stated "I go when the light is green. I don't see what happens behind and unfortunately, he got hurt. My job is to go when the light says so. Hopefully, he's OK."

It was the second time across the Bahrain weekend that Ferrari had fumbled a pit-stop after the team was fined 5000 Euros previously for another unsafe release of Raikkonen's car during the second free practice.

Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari took victory in Bahrain and he paid tribute to the crew member on the podium. Vettel stated "I'm a bit sad as I think in the pit-stop with Kimi one of our mechanics got injured, so send him my best regards," he added. "It's a mixed day."

FIA Stewards have fined Ferrari 50,000 euros as the car was released unsafely in breach of Article 22.13.

Copy of Steward's letter