Buemi penalised in Jakarta after high-level performance

Buemi penalised in Jakarta after high-level performance

Sébastien Buemi crossed the finish line in third place after a strong drive in Jakarta, but a time penalty handed down for early-race contact deprived him of a podium. The Swiss driver was ultimately classified eighth, despite scoring the fastest lap and delivering a commanding performance in tough conditions.

Both Envision Racing drivers staged impressive comebacks on race day. Starting 17th, Buemi quickly made up ground, while teammate Robin Frijns climbed from the very back of the grid to finish ninth, ensuring a double points result for the team.

The Jakarta heat and humidity added to the challenge, but Envision Racing’s mechanics rose to the occasion. After Frijns’ heavy crash on Friday and a late rear-end change for Buemi between qualifying and the race, both cars were back in shape for lights out.

The 38-lap race got off to a relatively calm start, but Buemi soon received a five-second penalty for a clash with Edoardo Mortara. Determined to stay in the fight, he pushed his #16 machine into podium contention, crossing the line in third before being demoted to eighth. Frijns’ clean and methodical drive saw him finish just behind in P9, marking the team’s second consecutive double points finish.

With this result, Buemi now sits 12th in the Drivers’ Championship with 52 points, while Envision Racing moves to 10th in the Teams’ standings ahead of the Berlin double-header on July 12-13.