The FIA has summoned all ten Formula 1 teams after the race in Abu Dhabi because it found violations during the pit stops: What the issue is all about
Spectators at the Formula 1 race in Abu Dhabi 2023 had to look at the FIA message at the top of the screen several times in amazement. Because not only once did a possible infringement during the pit stop light up there, which was to be investigated after the race
First it was Lewis Hamilton’s (Mercedes) pit stop that came under scrutiny by the stewards, followed by Pierre Gasly’s (Alpine) stop. Max Verstappen (Red Bull), Logan Sargeant (Williams) and Guanyu Zhou (Alfa Romeo) were also affected later in the race.
The FIA did not give a reason, but it later became clear that the infringements had to do with the fact that some of the pit crew had “potentially not worn the prescribed eye protection” during the pit stop.
Article 34.13 of the Sporting Regulations states: “All team members working on a car in the pit lane during qualifying, the sprint shootout, the sprint session or the race must wear helmets that meet or exceed the requirements of ECE 22.05 – European Motorcycle Road Helmet, DOT – USA Motorcycle Road Helmet or JIS T8133-2015, Class 2 – JPN Protective Helmets for Motorists.”
“The use of suitable eye protection is mandatory.”
However, it is unusual that several teams have broken a rule that has otherwise never been the focus of much attention. But the race in Abu Dhabi is unique in that it starts in the light and ends in the dark.
This poses particular challenges for the drivers and pit crew in terms of visibility, as the choice of visor color is more complicated than usual.
It is possible that some members of the pit crew had temporarily opened their protective visors during the second pit stop as visibility in the pit lane deteriorated.
After the session, however, not only the teams concerned were summoned to the stewards, but team representatives from all ten racing teams.
However, the FIA did not impose a penalty, even though the stewards claimed to have seen “numerous infringements” of Article 34.13. “In some cases, the video footage was not clear enough to determine whether the team member in question was wearing goggles or other eye protection, for example when a visor was open,” it said.
Nevertheless, the FIA emphasizes that there were “numerous examples” of eye protection not being used.
“The safety of team members is paramount,” the association clarifies. “All teams are asked to emphasize the importance of eye protection for all persons working on a car and to ensure that this article is observed by all team members in the future. “
