Hartley given official warning after clash with Wainwright prevented victory

Brendon Hartley was given an official reprimand by World Endurance Championship stewards for causing a collision with the Gulf Racing Porsche of Mike Wainwright.

The #1 Porsche was on course to win when Hartley attempted to lap Wainwright around the outside of the fast left-hander at Farm. Wainwright followed his usual line and as Hartley moved left after clambering over the rumble strip at the exit he hit the Porsche.

The LMP1 machine was launched onto its side before returning to its wheels as both cars flew into the gravel trap.

Hartley was described as being “responsible for the lack of caution” in lapping Wainwright by stewards.

“I wanted to get past a GT car on the outside, which is quite normal through there,” said Hartley before the stewards’ decision. “But the driver didn’t see me and used all of the road. I don’t want to blame anyone but it was a shocking moment.”

Wainwright was also uninjured in the crash. “I was a passenger,” he said. “I didn’t even know he was there.”