A simple miscommunication was to blame for the premature flying of the chequered flag at Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix, according to Formula One's governing body the FIA.
The flag, which signifies the end of the race, was waved at the end of lap 69 of 70, resulting in confusion among the drivers, teams, marshals and fans. Race leader Sebastian Vettel radioed his Ferrari team to point out the error but continued at full pace in the belief that the race would still go the full distance.
Under the regulations, a premature waving of the chequered flag results in the final standings being determined by the positions at the end of the previous lap (in this case 68).