WATCH: Nikola Tsolov’s reckless and shocking crash into Alex Dunne

During the Australian Grand Prix Formula 3 practice, a shocking incident occurred. As 18-year-old driver Alex Dunne was weaving to warm up his tires, his 17-year-old rival Nikola Tsolov came up behind him and crashed into the back of his car just as he was straightening up to create space. Dunne went crashing into the barriers on the side, to the shock of the announcers.

Commentator Chris McCarthy said, “that is going to be investigated by the stewards. Nikola Tsolov, I don’t know what on earth he was thinking there.” The stewards did have a look and decided to give Tsolov a rather minor punishment - a three-place drop from his qualifying position for the next race (Saturday morning’s sprint), plus two penalty points on his license. Dunne also received a scolding after he admitted he failed to check his mirrors when he was warming up his tires.

In the stewards hearing, it was concluded that Tsolov purposefully approached Dunne to make him aware of his presence after Dunne failed to check for cars. “Tsolov deviated from his normal racing line to drive close to Dunne to highlight his presence,” the stewards said. “He unfortunately misjudged this action and collided with Dunne. Having considered this matter extensively, the stewards determined the actions of Tsolov, while unintended, caused the collision that was completely avoidable.”

As for Tsolov, he said that he was confused and that “nothing was intentional”.

“I was a bit confused. I arrived on a push lap and I think (Dunne) was weaving, so I didn’t know where to go to get past him because he was on a cool lap or something,” said Tsolov. “I think it was just a bit unfortunate.”

“I have no intention against him. There’s nothing to win in a practice session, so I wouldn’t do something like that,” he said.