The bizarre pre-race incident between Scott McLaughlin and Cameron Waters that prevented both drivers from starting Saturday evening’s race at Albert Park is under investigation.
McLaughlin and Waters were set to share the front row, but damaged their Mustangs on the outlap from the pitlane to the grid.
Contact between the left-front of Waters’ Mustang and the right-rear of McLaughlin’s occurred at the exit of Turn 5 as the Monster driver attempted to pass his rival.
Both were able to make it back to pitlane, but the damage was too great to repair in time for the start of the race just minutes later.
Although television cameras missed the collision, officials will have onboard vision and data from both cars for their investigation, which is not expected to be completed until Sunday morning.
McLaughlin later moved to calm public debate over the incident on social media, posting a message beginning with “eyes forward”.
“We race humans, humans make mistakes – whoever is to blame,” he wrote.
Eyes Forward - We race humans, humans make mistakes - whoever is to blame. I start P2 for tomorrow and an opportunity to win another race. Sorry to the guys, unfortunate circumstances.. let’s get them tomorrow team! pic.twitter.com/cqT5qwAvvq