It is clear among drivers that as they pull back and try to fill a gap before starting their qualifying laps, they are keeping their seats to make life easier.
However, this season there have been recurring instances where drivers overtaken rivals and actually got out of the queue.
It became a special topic at the Austrian GP when Masi stepped in after the drivers had queued in practice in the last corner and told them before qualifying that they could hardly wait to make a gap at this point.
Instead, they were told to slow down before they reached the penultimate corner. However, there have been instances where drivers drove past slowing cars and forced others to retreat further.
Michael Masi, Race Director, FIA
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Sebastian Vettel was particularly vocal after his death. He then found himself with a penalty after blocking Fernando Alonso.
Some drivers have suggested that the FIA should oversee the matter, but Masi made it clear that every gentleman’s agreement is just that and that it has no formal place within the sporting regulations.
He stressed that if the drivers have any problems, they should clarify them among themselves.
“I hear about the gentleman’s agreement because I occasionally see it in the media,” said the Australian.
“And that’s the gentleman’s agreement you have between the 20 gentlemen who are on the line. So you may need to get back together and reassert or revise your gentleman’s agreement between them!
“Let’s be fair, they’re all top athletes. I think one of the things that has probably just made it worse this year is the narrowness of the field and the competitive order. And that’s how all this pressure comes in.”
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McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo agreed that the drivers could sort it out themselves.
“I think at the end of the day, if someone was a little naughty and took advantage of the situation we agreed, then maybe that driver or drivers should just expect a little shit to come their way at some point.” said.
“That’s the decision and the decision you make, so I’m glad we can sort it out in our own way.”
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