The Australian Grand Prix witnessed a lot of drama, including Fernando Alonso’s criticism of the FIA’s rule regarding the grid reshuffle after a red flag. The Alpine Racing driver was bumped to P11 after being tagged by Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari during the restart. However, the original restart positions were reinstated, and Alonso took his third podium in three races.
Alonso Speaks Out Against the Rule
Alonso expressed his frustration over the rule through the team radio, calling it a “stupid rule.” The rule states that the original grid order must be upheld if no driver completes a single sector of a lap before a race is curtailed again. The same rule was implemented during the Silverstone Grand Prix last year after a grid realignment erased many drivers’ overtakes.
FIA Stresses Consistency
The FIA took 15 minutes to decide on the restart during the Australian GP and chose to prioritize consistency. Sainz received a fivesecond penalty and lost his points after potentially appealing the decision.
Improved Procedures Needed
The lengthy delay in finalizing Alonso’s penalty sparked discussions about improving procedures to avoid time delays. It is important for rules governing penalties to be as explicit as possible to ensure judgment consistency.
With Alonso criticizing this inconsistency in rules, fans hope that significant changes will be made in future seasons.
Title: FIA Clarifies Rules on Pit Stop Penalties in Formula 1
A new sporting directive has been issued to teams to clarify what counts as “working” on a car during a pit stop. This move came after confusion over Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix led to rule clarification.
Alonso Gets Penalized
Alonso was initially given a fivesecond time penalty for lining his car up outside of the starting box on the grid, which could be served at a pit stop by waiting five seconds. Alonso completed the penalty, but it was later discovered that the rear jack had touched the car during the fivesecond window, leading to a 10-second penalty post-race.
Aston Martin Challenges Ruling
Aston Martin successfully argued that using a jack to hold the car in place during a penalty was permitted, even if it wasn’t explicitly written in the rulebook, leading to the FIA reversing the decision and giving Alonso back his podium finish. The FIA has issued a clarification stating that the physical touching of the car or driver by hand, tools or equipment during any penalty will be considered work.
Rules Reviewed
The FIA will review the regulations at the next Sporting Advisory Committee meeting and has widened grid boxes by 20 cm and added a center line to help guide drivers into their spot to avoid penalties. The FIA also permits the use of fans to keep cars cool during a penalty, as long as they do not physically touch the car.
This rule clarifies what can and cannot be done during penalties and is expected to lead to improved safety and better judgement consistency.
Title: FIA Bans F1 Teams from Climbing Fences to Celebrate Victories
From the Australian Grand Prix onwards, F1 teams cannot climb fences to celebrate victory due to new FIA safety regulations.
Safety First
Safety is important, and this decision is aimed at reducing unnecessary risks associated with post-race celebrations. Red Bull Racing Team boss Christian Horner expressed surprise and disappointment at the decision, calling it an “iconic moment” that will disappear from this sport. However, Horner has never seen a problem with celebrating on fences during his 94 victories as Red Bull Racing team.
Aston Martin Complies with Decision
Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack also expressed discontent with the measure but said they would comply with the safety rule and pay fines if necessary. Krack believes it will be difficult to climb fences at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne since there are none, only glass.
While some may see this as a loss of tradition, FIA’s priority is to ensure the safety of all participants and maintain the integrity of post-race victory celebrations.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
