Wurz defends differing safety car calls after Imola stoppages

Both Esteban Ocon and Kimi Antonelli experienced similar mechanical failures uphill from Tosa during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, stopping on the grassy area.

Alex Wurz: The race director made the right decisions

When Ocon stopped on Lap 29, Race Control deployed a Virtual Safety Car (VSC). The VSC slows cars but doesn't close the gaps.

On Lap 46, Antonelli stopped in roughly the same spot due to a throttle issue. However, on this occasion, Race Control deployed a full Safety Car. This grouped the field, wiping out Verstappen's lead.

This difference led to questions about inconsistency, given the incidents seemed similar.

Why the different decision?

The key difference was recovery. Ocon's car could be recovered to a nearby gap in the wall. Antonelli's car, stopped slightly higher and with Ocon's car occupying the initial recovery spot, required a recovery vehicle on track.

Standard procedure dictates a full Safety Car when a recovery vehicle is needed on track to ensure marshal safety. GPDA chairman Alex Wurz defended Race Control's decision, explaining that the need for a lifting vehicle for Antonelli's car necessitated the full Safety Car, referencing the tragic Jules Bianchi incident as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols regarding recovery vehicles.

Wurz stated the decision was not inconsistent but a good decision in the name of safety, aligning with past agreements following the Bianchi accident.