F3: Szymkowiak demoted to fifth

Van Amersfoort driver Jules Szymkowiak has been demoted from second to fifth position in the Zandvoort Masters Formula 3 invitational event.

The Dutch drier was given a 20sec time penalty for avoidable contact after an incident involving team-mate Sam MacLeod at the first corner of the 25-lap race. The penalty promotes Steijn Schothorst to second and Nabil Jeffri to second and third places behind race winner Max Verstappen, and Indy Dontje to fourth.

"I think the penalty is a bit harsh," Szymkowiak complained. "I had a similar incident at Spa [in the European Formula 3 Championship]: I was the victim and the other driver [Michele Beretta] didn't get a penalty."

Front-row starter MacLeod described the shunt, which left his Dallara-Volkswagen stranded in the gravel, as a "one-sided racing incident."

"It's a shame because I made a good start and was putting Max under pressure," he said. "I don't think Max's pace was that good, so I think I could have continued to put him under pressure."