Romain Grosjean has been given a three-place grid penalty for the next race in Monaco after causing a collision on the first lap of the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Haas driver pleaded his innocence after crashing out in spectacular fashion at Turn 3, collecting Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly in the process.

Grosjean was called to the stewards’ room to discuss the incident and race officials took issue with his decision to come back across the track and toward the field of cars.

“The driver explained to the stewards that he felt that his momentum was going to carry him to the center of the track, and therefore made the decision to apply power in an attempt to cross to the right side of the track and get out of the way of the cars behind,” said the stewards’ statement.