Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari F1-75 leads behind the Mercedes FIA Safety Car. Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Sunday 27th March 2022. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The FIA has clarified the manoeuvres permitted by drivers prior to race restarts ahead of Formula 1’s Australian Grand Prix.
In his updated pre-event notes Formula 1 Race Director Niels Wittich has reminded drivers of a section of Article 55.14 of the Sporting Regulations.
It reads: “In order to avoid the likelihood of accidents before the safety car returns to the pits, from the point at which the lights on the car are turned out drivers must proceed at a pace which involves no erratic acceleration or braking nor any manoeuvre which is likely to endanger other drivers or impede the restart.”
A diagram, outlining the conduct expected, was also included.
It comes after Max Verstappen has drawn alongside a front-running rival at all of the previous three grands prix.
At the 2021 Abu Dhabi title-decider he drew level, and briefly moved ahead, of Lewis Hamilton as the pair prepared for the last-lap shootout which decided the title in Verstappen’s favour.
In both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia he drew alongside race leader Charles Leclerc as they prepared for the restart.
Keyword: FIA clarifies restart rules amid recent Verstappen tactic