Race Director Niels Wittich has clamped down on impeding in pit lane ahead of this weekend’s São Paulo Grand Prix at the Interlagos circuit.
This has become a controversial topic at recent events as drivers have looked to create a space for themselves in the pit lane before heading out on circuit to avoid hitting lots of traffic.
Max Verstappen got a reprimand for it in Singapore during qualifying, while there was no further action taken against the Dutchman, George Russell and Fernando Alonso for the same thing in Mexico last Saturday during Q1.
Photo credit: Red Bull Content Pool
In the Race Director’s Event Notes, the drivers have been told they must not stop in the fast lane. If they want to stop, they must pull over to the left-hand side and not impede any driver who wants to exit the pit lane and get out on track quickly.
You can read the point in full below.
“14) Shootout and Qualifying
“As per article 33.4 of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, drivers are not allowed to go unnecessarily slow, that includes stopping a car in the fast lane of the pit lane.
“During Shootout and Qualifying, drivers may create a gap between the pit exit lights and the SC2 line. Any driver who wishes to do so must drive as far to the left as possible to allow other drivers to pass them on the right side of the pit exit road.”
It was a topic Logan Sargeant brought up when speaking post-race in Mexico, stating the need for a change to be made as he got knocked out in Q1 last Saturday.
“Maybe something that can be done better about the traffic in the pit lane. I don’t think it’s quite fair [that] everyone [is] just sitting there waiting.
“You’re running tight on time and you’re losing tyre temps.”
The maximum lap time for cars on in and out laps between safety car line 2 and line 1 remains in place. Although multiple investigations have taken place at recent events, no driver has yet to receive a sanction for breaking this.
