The FIA ​​explains its controversial decisions in Qatar: rearview mirror, Norris…

The FIA ​​gave a detailed explanation why didn't you try to remove the mirror of Alex Albon at the Qatar Grand Prix. The F1 race at Losail was turned upside down on the 30th lap when the right mirror of the Williams broke away at the finish line and brought up a double yellow flag, which was critical after Lando Norris ignore them and receive a severe penalty of one stop and go of 10 seconds.

Despite the obvious risks of a car rolling into the rearview mirror during the race, the FIA ​​decided not to bring out a safety car or activate VSC, and instead let everything continue. However, four rounds later, Valtteri Bottas He hit him and scattered his pieces all over the field.

Carlos Sainz And Lewis Hamilton They suffered two punctures at this time, although it is unclear whether this was due to the remains of the rear-view mirror or excessive wear on these tires, so the safety car had to come out to clear the track.

The management of this situation by the new F1 race director, Rui Marqueshas become a big topic of conversation, and on Monday morning the FIA ​​responded by explaining why it had to do things the way it did.

In his statement he said: “The normal practice is that the safety car does not go out on the track if there is a small amount of debris and if it is outside the racing line. But the amount debris after a car hit the rearview mirror and punctures shortly after forced the decision to bring out the safety car.

“A VSC would not have been a solutionbecause the cars would have remained very far apart and there was not enough time for a track marshal to remove these remains from the track.

However, FIA admits events in Qatar will be analyzed in more detail and that conversations would take place with the teams to see if things can be improved in the future.

“The FIA ​​is constantly reviewing its methods and processes and will analyze the specific scenario in more detail and discuss it with the teams, to see if different decisions need to be made in the future.”

Failure of safety car lights

The mirror problem was not the only drama for the FIA ​​in Qatar, since There was further confusion after the safety car lights failed. when resuming the race.

The headlight problem opened the door to the then race leader, Max Verstappenbecame a little confused as to what was happening, which caused a late restart that exposed him to Lando Norris, who was right behind him.

In reference to this light malfunction, the FIA ​​said: “All teams were verbally warned that the SC was going to enter, so the restart was carried out in the normal manner.”

“Although the cause of the failure has been identified and resolved, as a precaution the safety car was changed in time for its third deployment,” they added.

The heavy sanction for Norris

Another big topic of conversation after the race was the severity of the punishment given to Norris for ignoring yellow flags which were activated by the loose mirror in the middle of the straight.

Even if the head of MercedesToto Wolff, described it as “brutal” and McLaren requested a review of the facts, the FIA ​​asserts that the sanction was in accordance with usual practices.

“The sanction was imposed in accordance with the penalty guidelines which were distributed to teams on February 19, 2024. A double yellow flag violation is considered a serious compromise for safety, which is why it carries such a severe sanction,” he finished.