FIA and Teams Discussing Chaotic Turn 1 Incidents

Following the chaotic start at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Aston Martin's Chief Trackside Officer, Mike Krack, has confirmed that first-lap incidents are actively being discussed by the FIA and F1 teams. This comes after multiple drivers, including George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, voiced strong opinions on the lack of penalties for early race skirmishes.

Why it matters:

The handling of Turn 1 incidents, particularly at circuits known for first-lap chaos like Mexico City, has become a contentious issue among drivers and teams. Inconsistent stewarding decisions can impact race outcomes and driver perception of fairness. Open discussions between the FIA and teams are crucial for establishing clearer guidelines and ensuring more consistent application of rules, which is vital for both competitive integrity and driver safety.

The Details:

• Mexico City Chaos: The recent Mexico City Grand Prix saw a particularly eventful Turn 1, with Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc cutting across the grass, and further evasive actions in the midfield. Despite the widespread disruption, few penalties were issued.
• Driver Frustrations: George Russell famously labeled the race a 'lawnmower race,' expressing his frustration at drivers seemingly getting away with aggressive maneuvers. Lewis Hamilton, who received a 10-second penalty for a later incident, questioned why he was the only one penalized in a race he described as 'pretty nuts.'
• Krack's Take: Mike Krack observed, "Lap one, I had the feeling that everybody just does what they want, and you get away with it." He acknowledged the difficulty in assigning blame in Turn 1 incidents but stressed the need for discussion on how to handle them, especially given Mexico's "tradition now that lap one is a bit of carnage everywhere."
• Alonso's Anger: Fernando Alonso was notably upset about the Turn 1 chaos, with Krack noting that Alonso felt cars that had been passed came back in front of him. Alonso's race ended prematurely due to brake issues, further highlighting the potential race-altering consequences of early-lap incidents.

What's next:

The ongoing discussions between the FIA and teams aim to refine the approach to first-lap incidents, especially at notoriously challenging circuits. This could lead to clearer guidelines for drivers and more consistent decision-making from race stewards. Improved clarity and consistency are essential for maintaining fair competition and ensuring that aggressive driving is managed appropriately without stifling exciting racing. The outcomes of these talks will be closely watched by drivers, teams, and fans as the sport strives for better balance in regulating early-race action.