Irvine points out the inconsistencies.

Jaguar driver Eddie Irvine has said that he is dismayed at what he considers to be double standards in Formula One.

The Irishman said: "What annoys me is that (Ricardo) Zonta did it to Michael Schumacher (hit him from behind) last year and got a big penalty. (Jos) Verstappen did it to me, and no one cares. And Rubens (Barrichello) did to (Heinz Harald) Frentzen at the last race, and again to Ralf (Schumacher) today. It's frustrating when nothing's done about it. When it happens to Michael, something gets done. When it happens to me, or anyone else, nothing gets done."

Irvine added: "I think it was Verstappen that hit me - yet another case of a driver not using his brain. I can't begin to imagine what was going through his head given the space that was available at the first corner."

Team boss Bobby Rahal was also disappointed. He concluded: "It's a damn shame we cannot get Eddie through the first corner without an issue with another driver!"