Three F1 drivers have lambasted the FIA’s response to a dramatic collision in Baku, causing uproar among teams and fans.
Three Formula 1 drivers have criticized the FIA for its handling of the crash between Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz on the penultimate lap of the Azerbaijan GP.
Given the scale of the incident in the streets of Baku, many were shocked that race control did not immediately wave the red flag.
“I’m surprised,” admitted Haas F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg.
“A huge crash, a war zone with debris everywhere. There was a double yellow flag, then suddenly back to green, which really surprised me. I found myself stuck and lost a few positions.”
“I also hit something big and wasn’t quite sure what had happened to my front wing. Yes, the last two laps were very surreal.”
George Russell, Mercedes F1 driver and also the senior director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), also questions how the FIA managed the incident—with ultimately a virtual safety car deployed.
“Flat into a wall of carbon fiber on the penultimate lap,” he said when asked about the most striking moment of his experience at the Azerbaijan GP.
“I mean, it was pretty crazy. The sun was setting. You couldn’t see anything. I was shocked that the safety car or VSC wasn’t deployed earlier.”
“You know, cars could have been anywhere. So, I’m glad to see everyone was okay.”
As for three-time world champion Max Verstappen, he is among those who suspect that F1 tried to favor a more spectacular race finish over a red flag or safety car.
“It should have been a safety car right away,” said the Red Bull driver. “I don’t understand it at all. Two cars had just hit the wall at high speed.”
“I don’t understand why it took them (race officials) so long. Then, they wave two yellow flags. Just send the safety car!”
“Anyway, nothing more will happen, and the whole track is full of debris and parts. Why do we then have a virtual safety car?”
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Debris Chaos in Baku: F1 Drivers Blast FIA Debris Chaos in Baku: F1 Drivers Blast FIA
