Grosjean hit with penalty

Romain Grosjean has been hit with a 20-second post-race penalty for hitting Jenson Button's McLaren while attempting to overtake him at the chicane during the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The penalty, issued in lieu of a drive-through because it was applied after the race, does not cost Grosjean sixth place because he was 21.524s clear of Button on the road.

Lotus trackside operations director Alan Permane believes the punishment was excessive, especially as other drivers escaped investigation for what he saw as more serious incidents.

"We discussed it [with the stewards] and agreed to disagree," he said shortly after emerging from the stewards' room.

"I think it was very harsh as it was a slight tap. I guess it's the letter of the law and they had to do it.

"There were more serious incidents in the race. Sebastian [Vettel] on the run down to the first corner nearly pushes him off the circuit and nothing gets said."