During the qualifying session at the Monaco Grand Prix, Sergio Perez from Red Bull encountered a crash.
Carlos Sainz has renewed the call for IndyCar-styled red flag rules having “spotted people on purpose generating red flags” during qualifying.
The Monaco Grand Prix is approaching, and Formula 1 is preparing for a race where the outcome can potentially be determined during Saturday’s qualifying session.
Carlos Sainz wants ‘fair play and fair racing’
Additional reporting by Sam Cooper
The Grand Prix circuit is characterized by its twisty, narrow streets, making red flags a common occurrence during this race weekend.
Accidents have not only determined the grid and pole position, but they have also played a significant role in various incidents throughout the years. Examples include Michael Schumacher’s deliberate parking at Rascasse in 2006, resulting in penalties, Nico Rosberg’s off at Mirabeau in 2014, and Sergio Perez’s recent crash at Portier in 2022.
Calls for Formula 1 to penalize drivers who trigger a red flag have frequently arisen, suggesting that their fastest lap time be invalidated.
While Formula 2 and Formula 3 implemented this rule for the current season, it is already being practiced in IndyCar.
According to the regulation, if the stewards deem a driver to be solely responsible for a red flag during the qualifying practice session, they will be disqualified from further participation in the session and their fastest lap time may be invalidated.
Carlos Sainz believes that’s a rule that should also be used in Formula 1.
The Ferrari driver, speaking to the media including PlanetF1.com, mentioned that there have been instances in street circuits where drivers have intentionally caused red flags.
“The FIA may not be fully convinced of their intentionality, as drivers have a clear understanding of what is deliberate and what is not. It will be intriguing to observe the approach they adopt for this upcoming weekend.”
The subject is constantly discussed in Monaco. My only wish is that, for the betterment of the show and to ensure fair play and racing, we all approach Q1 and Q3 with full commitment, avoiding any needless risks.
For more on the race dubbed the ‘Jewel of the F1 crown’
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After a discussion with the drivers during one of their Friday briefings, Esteban Ocon expressed his support for the call and disclosed that the FIA is currently investigating the matter.
He stated, “I believe the FIA is currently examining that matter. We have recently addressed it in drivers’ meetings, discussing the monitoring of situations where a driver triggers a red flag.”
“I believe it would be wise to address this matter since we have observed instances in the past where certain drivers have caused problems, preventing others from completing their laps. Therefore, it should be a subject of monitoring by the FA.”
George Russell, the chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, concurred with Esteban’s viewpoint, emphasizing the frequency with which laps are annulled due to track limits violations during qualifying sessions. Russell suggested that if a driver were to trigger a yellow or red flag, their fastest lap should likely be disregarded as a consequence.
Max Verstappen found the idea to be a “good idea,” according to the triple World Champion.
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