Are F1 Teams’ Lively Checkered Flag Celebrations Dangerously Over the Top?

Getting a podium in F1 is not the easiest task, and when it happens, it gets drivers excited. However, in the thrill of wins, sometimes one forgets safety, which holds the utmost importance in the world of motorsports.

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Lando Norris finished P3 second year in a row at the Imola GP this year. He did not expect this win at the very least, but luck favored him as he somehow made it to the podium.

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Norris was an exciting watch this weekend. Quick with his reflexes, quicker to take advantage of situations, the Britisher drove sensationally. The McLaren camp was undoubtedly severely happy, as they had worked very hard to reach this point.

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However, amidst all the celebration, McLaren mechanics might have forgotten that standing on the pit walls, unharnessed, can be very dangerous.

Lando Norris F1 win helps in realizing a fatal mistake

Formula E driver Jake Dennis posted a story about one of Lando Norris’ celebration posts. He pointed out how a McLaren mechanic was literally coming off the wall on the other side and is squatting right on the edge of the pit wall. Dennis wrote, “One slip from a mechanic and it’s not a pretty sight.” Honestly, he’s right, though Mechanics have been celebrating this way for years, it is dangerous for them.

The end of a race sees all the cars making it back to their garages. However, the checked flag is the main formality and hence, the speed of a car is probably the fastest in those moments. In an urge to win quickly, drivers press the throttle in full swing. If a stampede takes place on the pit wall, many mechanics can fall together. And this is not it, as someone can fall right in front of the car.

Track rules do not allow fans or mechanics to be irresponsible

Formula 1 tracks are not for playing around. After years of carelessness, and fans invading the tracks, rules were enacted. To avoid any potential accidents or casualties, F1 has come a long way with safety. While many other competitions see fans standing very close to the actual event, F1 doesn’t allow that.

Like, the old tradition of waving the checkered flag on the track has been struck off. It could have been potentially harmful to the person doing it, and F1 decided not to push their luck.

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Just imagine a supercar with a speed of over 300 km/hr and plus approaching someone. Or just imagine many cars with the same speed approaching someone while one lays there helpless. Yes, this could be fatal, and it is exactly why a safety precaution should be taken.

F1 followed a similar procedure for mechanics, who are not allowed to run on tracks after wins. They still hang irresponsibly from the pit walls, but in comparison to the earlier days, it’s a lot better. Safety is paramount in F1, and that is exactly why so much has changed over the years. Fans and teams still gather to watch the award ceremony later, but only after the race has stopped. Moreover, every investigation involving a track invasion by fans or anyone is taken very seriously.

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While winning is a very important thing, we don’t want the party to be spoiled with an irresponsible action. Old rituals mean nothing if they involve risking someone’s life, hence we stand against any gathering on an F1 track. What are your thoughts?.