Black and White flag not a free offence: "Punishment is still possible"

The use of the Black and White flag has caused much controversy. Formula 1 journalist Will Buxton does not understand the criticism at the stewards are still able to penalize a driver if they have been shown the flag. 

"I do not expect this to cause such a situation," Buxton said. “I also think it is wise to ignore the idea that every driver is constantly looking for ways to ignore the rules. In addition, I think we should do the same when it comes to thinking that the black and white flag gives permission to do something that was not allowed before. 

“That is simply not the case. The competition leader (Michael Masi) is about the use of the flag. The choice of the stewards to start an investigation into a driver's action or to hand out penalties, that is entirely up to the stewards themselves. 

"Nowhere does it say that the stewards should not be punished for something that the driver has already been awarded the flag for... "

Just because a driver has been shown a Black and White flag, doesn't mean they are saved from the stewards.