The last-lap clash between Carlos Sainz and Daniil Kvyat at the Spanish Grand Prix has been deemed a racing incident by the stewards, who have decided not to penalise either driver.
While dicing for ninth position, Sainz attempted to pass Kvyat on the outside of Turn 1. Kvyat appeared to make three movements before locking up on the inside and making contact with Sainz, pushing the Spaniard across the corner and over the run-off area.
Sainz went off the track but maintained ninth position when he re-joined the circuit, though he argued to the stewards he had not gained an advantage. When the chequered flag fell it was confirmed both men were under investigation for the incident.
After the race, the stewards decided no action would be taken.
The official statement read: "In relation to the alleged breach of Artice 20.3 the Stewards accept the statement of the driver of Car 26 [Kvyat], the concurrence of the driver of Car 55 [Sainz] and confirmation from the video evidence, that the first two moves were not defensive and that only the third move was defensive.
"In relation to the alleged breach of Article 16.1 the Stewards aree with the assertions of the drivers and team representatives that this was a racing incident.
"In relation to the alleged breach of Article 20.2 the Stewards consider that Car 55 was in front at the time it entered the corner and accept the evidence of the driver that he slowed in re-joining the track at Turn 2 and gave room at Turn 3 for Car 26, in order to avoid gaining a lasting advantage. The driver of Car 26 also admitted that he slowed at Turn 2 and gave room for Car 55 to re-join the track."