Co-author: Christian Nimmervoll
1h
The FIA will review IndyCar’s extinguishing times for drivers who cause red flags in qualifying and assess suitability for Formula 1 after Charles Leclerc’s fall in Monaco.
Leclerc took pole position in Monaco on Saturday after beating qualifying but a fall of the Ferrari driver at the exit of the swimming pool prevented the drivers from improving on their final runs in the third quarter.
A rule that is used in American series such as IndyCar and IMSA provides that any driver who causes a red flag in qualifying loses his fastest lap times.
Although Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas had missed the chance to beat Leclerc for the red flag, after qualifying they saw no reason for F1 to review the rule.
But Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff thought it was “intelligent” for F1 to think about the change, as it would “avoid confusion”.
When asked by Motorsport.com after the race weekend whether F1 would consider introducing a similar rule in the future, FIA Race Director Michael Masi said it would be reviewed during his team’s regular debriefings.
“Like everything, when everything comes into being, the FIA, Formula 1 and the teams look at everything and see it as its merits,” said Masi.
“Yes, I am familiar with the IndyCar rule, which also applies in a number of other international FIA series and national championships around the world.
“We’ll look at it and work with all key stakeholders to determine whether it’s suitable or not.”
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Leclerc’s fall led to comparisons with similar incidents in Monaco in 2006 and 2014, when the pole-sitter made a mistake on the final lap and the cars behind didn’t improve.
Michael Schumacher was deliberately kicked out of the qualification for parking his car in La Rascasse in 2006, while Nico Rosberg was unlocked by the stewards in Mirabeau in 2014.
Leclerc made it clear after qualifying that he would have done it “much smarter” if the crash had been intentional, with the damage ultimately preventing him from starting the race.
Suggestions that it was a deliberate move were not made by anyone of any substance, with the paddock accepting that it had been a real mistake.
Masi revealed that race officials were quick to investigate the incident when it happened, but noted that it was “pretty clear” that Leclerc had made a mistake at Turn 15.
“After looking at it, looking at the data and also listening to the team communication, I don’t think a driver would go out there to seriously damage their car to that extent under the circumstances, due to the consequences of that could do that, “said Masi.
The post The FIA is reviewing the IndyCar rule, which the Leclerc Pole would have refused first appeared on monter-une-startup.
