Leaping from F3/F2 to an more and more advanced Method 1 by way of laws is definitely no simple feat. Nevertheless, Rui Marques, appointed as the brand new FIA race director rather than Niels Wittich on the eve of the Las Vegas GP, will seemingly keep in mind the weekend in Qatar for a very long time as a result of cascade of penalties that ensued.
The FIA present in Qatar
After an nearly flawless debut in Las Vegas, the Portuguese official instantly acquired his first style of what it means to convey order to a race path that, even yesterday, proved unworthy of the spectacle supplied on the observe.
Nobody disputes the penalties or the agency strategy taken by the brand new race director, however what raises eyebrows amongst drivers and insiders alike is the dearth of a constant and uniform customary of judgment. It appears as if each Grand Prix represents a steady lottery, the place comparable incidents threat being (and sometimes are) penalized in a very completely different method from the earlier race.
Nevertheless, it’s clear that altering the race director with three races remaining may solely result in this consequence. Whereas Niels Wittich (and earlier than him Freitas and Masi) was typically criticized for being too lenient in his choices, at this time there are cries of concern over penalties deemed too harsh and overly inflated.
Let’s evaluation the whole record of penalties issued throughout a dramatic Qatar GP, the penultimate spherical of a constructors’ championship that will probably be determined solely within the Abu Dhabi finale and will have been influenced by the selections made by the race path.
Lewis Hamilton – 5 seconds + drive by
The seven-time world champion was penalized with 5 seconds for a false begin, regardless of his quick try to right the error by regaining management of the clutch and halting the wheelspin.
Moreover, the Briton, racing in his remaining occasion for Mercedes, was handed a drive-through penalty for exceeding the velocity restrict when getting into the pit lane.
Lando Norris – 10-second cease & go + 3 license factors
The McLaren driver admitted after the race that he did not respect double yellow flags displayed on lap 30, incomes a penalty many thought of extreme, although in step with earlier sanctions for comparable infractions. Regardless of this, Lando managed to complete within the factors, setting the quickest lap and securing two worthwhile factors within the constructors’ standings.
Lance Stroll – 10 seconds + 2 license factors
In one more uneventful Sunday, the Aston Martin proprietor’s son was handed a 10-second penalty for colliding with Alexander Albon at the beginning in flip 4. The stewards additionally added two factors to his tremendous license.
Liam Lawson – 10 seconds + 2 license factors
The identical penalty utilized to the seemingly future Crimson Bull driver, who paid for his collision with Valtteri Bottas in flip 1 with a 10-second penalty and two license factors.
Alexander Albon – 10 seconds + 2 license factors
The Williams driver obtained the identical penalty for hitting Kevin Magnussen’s Haas in flip 1.
George Russell – 5 seconds + 1 license level
The Mercedes driver failed to take care of a 10-car-length hole below the Security Automobile, although the five-second penalty he obtained on the finish of the race didn’t have an effect on his remaining place.
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