The situation around drivers benefiting from red flags became a topic of conversation at the Monaco Grand Prix after Charles Leclerc secured pole position when he hit the barriers.
With his Q3 crash highlighting the red flags, it meant his closest rivals didn’t stand a chance of knocking him out of the top spot.
Some American series, including IndyCar and IMSA, have different rules, which means that any driver who raises a red flag in qualifying will lose their two best qualifying times.
Had this rule been in effect for Formula 1, Leclerc would have lost pole position in his crash in Monaco and would have returned to tenth place on the grid.
Wolff wasn’t aware that such a rule was being used in American series, but he reckoned it could be good for Formula 1 – especially since it would end suspicions that drivers are deliberately breaking off sessions.
“I didn’t know this was the rule in the US, but I think it’s a smart rule,” said Wolff. “That would avoid confusion.
“I don’t think Charles put it in the wall today because there is just too much at stake. But it would be a nice little incentive to make sure that all the polemics that create such a situation are out of the question and is not going to happen because no one would doubt it. “
The marshals support Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF21 after falling out of qualifying
Photo by: Steve Etherington / Motorsport Images
While Wolff thinks this is a good idea, the drivers are not so convinced that it is necessary in Formula 1.
Max Verstappen said, “I think there is a difference when a man makes a mistake and hits the wall or does it on purpose. I think if Charles just parked with a broken front wing, that’s a different story.
“But of course he just cut off the wall in the beginning and then ended up where I landed twice! So it’s just unfortunate. Of course I’m disappointed not to have a shot at the pole, but that’s life. Sometimes you are it.” can’t do it. It’s okay.
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“I don’t think his lap should have or should be deleted in the future if they might want to make rule changes.
“I don’t think that’s fair – because we’re all trying so hard – and it’s not that easy here, especially at the limit. It’s easy to make a mistake.”
Valtteri Bottas added: “I think the rules are fine. I mean it is what it is. Sometimes things in sport are not in your hands. Sometimes you are lucky, sometimes you are unlucky and that’s exactly what happens.”
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