A crowded pit exit in Monaco
The Formula 1 drivers have been warned that to slip into a pit lane queue in qualifying, they have to be able to get “all of a tyre” into the fast lane.
FIA race director Niels Wittich declared that the act of barging into the queue will not be accepted any longer.
FIA sets out new fast lane rule for qualifying
As Formula 1 tightens its regulations against drivers deliberately slowing down in the pit lane to create a gap with the car in front, there has been a rise in instances where drivers forcefully insert themselves into the queue.
This has emerged as a significant problem, particularly during the later stages of the qualifying sessions and among drivers near the pit exit. They are reluctant to be the last ones out, fearing that they will not have enough time to finish a final flying lap.
Given the high likelihood of crashes and red flags, it could become an even more significant issue this weekend in Monaco.
To prevent any potential conflicts, Wittich has introduced a new rule stating that a driver must be able to completely enter the fast lane in order to be included in the queue.
Crunching the data after Friday’s practice in Monaco
Uncovered: Monaco GP practice data reveals where Ferrari hold the early edge over Red Bull
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso data: Could two legends shake up Monaco pecking order?
“In his updated notes, he wrote that a car will be classified as being in the fast lane when a tire has completely crossed the solid yellow line that separates the fast lane from the inner lane. By crossing, it means that the entire tire should be on the far side of the line, in relation to the garages.”
Therefore, following the commencement or resumption of a free practice session, qualifying session, or sprint qualifying session, drivers are permitted to merge into the fast lane if there is an appropriate opening in the queue of cars. This should be done safely and without causing unnecessary obstruction to the cars already in the fast lane.
Furthermore, Wittich imposed a qualifying maximum lap time of 1:24.0 for the Monaco race.
To prevent cars from excessively slowing down on any laps during and after qualifying, or during reconnaissance laps when the pit exit is open for the race, drivers must maintain a speed below 1:24.0 between the designated Safety Car lines on the pit lane drawing.
Read next: Red Bull RB20 concept questioned with ‘wrong direction’ concerns about Monaco troubles
