FIA Upholds Las Vegas Marshal Intervention Decision Amid Safety Concerns

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has defended its race control’s decision regarding a contentious marshal intervention during the recent Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite widespread criticism from pundits and former officials. The incident, which saw marshals deployed to clear debris under double yellow flags as cars approached at speed, has reignited discussions about safety protocols and the timing of track interventions in top-tier motorsport. This marks the second such controversy in just two races, following a similar close call at the Mexico Grand Prix.

The Las Vegas event, a highly anticipated addition to the F1 calendar, began with immediate drama. A multi-car collision at Turn 1 on the opening lap scattered significant debris across the run-off area. In response, marshals stationed at a post on the outside of the track (drivers’ right) were swiftly deployed to collect the fragments. However, as the field completed its first lap and leader Max Verstappen prepared to cross the start-finish line, these marshals were still observed retreating towards the barriers. Rather than deploying a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) or a full Safety Car, race control maintained a double yellow flag status for the sector.

This decision quickly drew sharp rebukes from various quarters. Among the most prominent critics was Niels Wittich, the former FIA Race Director and predecessor to current director Rui Marques. Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Wittich did not mince words, stating, "This must not happen, this is a situation that is absolutely unacceptable." He elaborated on the standard procedure: "Of course, you always have the set-up, especially at Turn 1 at every start you put the marshals in motion or at least on standby. Because that is the biggest controlled gap you have at the start, once the last car has passed, in case there is any debris or parts that need to be picked up." Wittich concluded that the duration of the intervention was simply too long, rendering a double yellow flag insufficient. "That is simply wrong, and I can’t understand how this has now happened for the second time this year."

The previous incident Wittich referenced occurred just two races prior at the Mexico Grand Prix, where Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson encountered two marshals on the racing line as they were clearing debris. That event also sparked significant concern within the F1 community regarding the safety of trackside personnel and drivers. A full explanation for the Mexico incident remains outstanding, though officials from the Mexican federation were reportedly present in Las Vegas for discussions on the matter, indicating ongoing scrutiny and review.

Related News :

Despite the criticisms, sources close to Motorsport.com indicate that the FIA holds a nuanced view, distinguishing between the Las Vegas and Mexico incidents. The governing body’s comfort with the Las Vegas intervention stems from several key factors. Firstly, the debris at Turn 1 was entirely located in the run-off area, distinctly off the main racing line. This meant marshals were not operating directly on the path cars would take at full speed. Secondly, the marshal post from which they were deployed was on the same side of the track as the debris, eliminating the need for personnel to cross a live circuit, a significantly more hazardous undertaking.

Furthermore, the FIA justified the double yellow flag by explaining that the zone was extended well before the final corner, which is a blind, flat-out kink. This extension was intended to provide drivers ample warning and time to reduce speed before reaching the area where marshals were active. Upon reviewing onboard camera footage, particularly from Max Verstappen’s car, the FIA concluded that the visual evidence supported their decision, reinforcing their belief that the correct call was made in hindsight. The perspective from the leading car was deemed crucial in assessing the immediate safety risk.

It is noteworthy that a Virtual Safety Car was deployed just one lap later during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. This subsequent intervention was necessitated by another piece of debris, also originating from the opening lap collision, found on the outside of Turn 2. Motorsport.com understands that race control deemed double yellow flags insufficient in this instance because the front wing fragment was positioned closer to the racing line, and critically, its retrieval would have required marshals to cross the track. This distinction highlights the FIA’s operational differentiation between types of debris and locations when deciding on safety measures.

However, the FIA’s reasoning does not entirely address all lingering questions. Critics still ponder why the marshals at Turn 1 took an extended period to clear the debris, leading to the precarious situation. The inherent risk associated with marshals on track, regardless of their precise location relative to the racing line, remains a central point of contention. The question of whether race control should have adopted a more cautious approach, escalating the double-waved yellow flag to a Virtual Safety Car once it became apparent that the marshals’ return to safety was delayed, persists.

The continuous review of these incidents by the FIA underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing race continuity with the paramount importance of safety for both competitors and the dedicated trackside personnel. As Formula 1 pushes the boundaries of speed and spectacle, the effectiveness and adaptability of its safety protocols remain under constant scrutiny, particularly in the high-stakes environment of live race conditions. These events serve as crucial learning opportunities for the governing body to refine its procedures and ensure the highest possible standards of safety are consistently met across all Grand Prix circuits. The outcomes of the internal reviews, especially for the Mexico GP incident, will be vital in shaping future marshal deployment guidelines.

💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook

Author Profile

Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.