FIA explains Qatar mirror drama response and Norris penalty

The FIA has provided an in depth rationalization as to why it didn’t search to take away Alex Albon’s mirror from the observe halfway via the Qatar Grand Prix.

The F1 race in Losail was turned on its head on lap 30 when Albon’s proper mirror flew off his Williams on the start-finish straight.

It ended up in the midst of the observe and triggered some double yellow flags initially – which proved essential after Lando Norris ignored them and was handed a 10-second stop-go penalty.

Regardless of the apparent dangers of a automotive hitting the mirror later within the race, the FIA elected to not intervene with both a digital security automotive or full security automotive – and as an alternative let the race proceed.

Nonetheless, 4 laps later Valtteri Bottas struck the mirror when transferring out of the best way for the leaders, which scattered damaged bits everywhere in the observe.

With each Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton then struggling punctures, doubtlessly from the mirror particles, a full security automotive was known as out to lastly clear issues up.

The dealing with of occasions by new F1 race director Rui Marques has change into an enormous speaking level, and on Monday the FIA responded with a proof about why it elected to do issues the best way it did.

In a proof assertion, it mentioned: “Regular follow is for the security automotive to not be deployed if there’s a small quantity of particles, and off the racing line

“The in depth particles after a automotive hit the mirror and the punctures that occurred shortly after compelled the choice on a security automotive

“A VSC wouldn’t have been an answer, because the vehicles stay spread-out and there may be not adequate time for a marshal to clear the particles.”

The governing physique did concede, nevertheless, that the occasions of Qatar can be checked out in additional element and that discussions would happen with groups to see if issues will be improved sooner or later.

“The FIA consistently critiques its strategies and processes and can analyse additional the particular situation, and focus on it with the groups, with the intention to see whether or not sooner or later a unique plan of action must be taken,” it mentioned.

Security automotive lights failure

The mirror concern was not the one drama for the FIA, with there being additional confusion after the lights on the security automotive failed throughout the restart following this drama.

The lights downside opened the door for then race-leader Max Verstappen to be left confused about what has occurring, and that prompted a brilliant late restart that left him uncovered to Lando Norris behind him.

Referencing this malfunctioning of the lights, the FIA mentioned: “All groups have been verbally suggested that the SC can be coming in, so the restart occurred within the regular trend

“Whereas the rationale for the malfunction was recognized and glued, out of warning, the security automotive was swapped in time for its third deployment.”

Norris penalty

One different main speaking level after the race was the size of the penalty handed all the way down to Norris for ignoring the yellow flags put out for the stranded mirror.

Whereas it was described as ‘brutal’ by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, and left McLaren asking for a review of matters, the FIA says the sanction was in keeping with commonplace follow.

“The penalty was in accordance with the penalty tips circulated to the groups on 19 February 2024,” it added.

“A double yellow flag infringement is taken into account a severe compromise of security, which is why such offences carry such a extreme penalty.”