Aston Martin Protest Upheld by FIA, Potentially Altering Results of F1 Austrian GP

FIA Unable to Review 1200 Potential F1 Track Limit Offences in Austrian GP

Aston Martin’s Appeal and its Impact on the Race Classification

Aston Martin, the British luxury car manufacturer, has lodged an appeal against the provisional race classification of the recently concluded Austrian Grand Prix. The team claims that several cars on the track breached the track limits repeatedly without facing penalties. The FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, has revealed that it was unable to review all reports of cars straying beyond the painted white lines with all four wheels during the race, as there were over 1200 such incidents in the 71 laps.

The stewards have deemed Aston Martin’s protest admissible, as a list of deleted lap times provided by race control has shown instances of track limit infringements that were not previously considered by the stewards. It has been determined that some of these infringements warrant penalties that were not initially applied during the race or when the provisional classification was issued. Thus, a final classification, incorporating these penalties, will be released in due course.

The Role of the FIA in Post-Race Review

In its immediate post-race review, the FIA is closely examining all 1200 incidents of track limit infringements. This rigorous analysis ensures fairness and consistency in the application of penalties. The governing body’s commitment to thoroughly evaluate each case demonstrates its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the sport.

Aston Martin’s Focus on Carlos Sainz

Aston Martin’s protest is expected to particularly target Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. Sainz had already received a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits during the race. If he is found guilty of further infractions, resulting in a second five-second penalty, he may drop behind McLaren driver Lando Norris in the race standings. A more severe punishment could push him further down the classification, potentially behind Aston Martin’s own Fernando Alonso.

Ferrari’s Involvement in the Appeal

Ferrari, the renowned Italian racing team, is the only other team besides Aston Martin that has been summoned to the stewards regarding this matter. Head of vehicle operation, Diego Ioverno, represented the team during the discussions. While the specifics of Ferrari’s involvement have not been disclosed, it is clear that the team’s actions during the race have come under scrutiny.

The Importance of Gravel Traps for Track Limit Enforcement

The FIA has announced that it will emphasize the need for the Red Bull Ring, the venue of the Austrian Grand Prix, to have gravel traps installed on the exit of high-speed Turns 9 and 10. These corners witnessed the majority of track limit offenses during the race. Gravel traps already exist on the outside of the slower Turn 4 right-hander. However, circuit management has been hesitant to add deterrents to the final two corners due to motorcycle racing, including MotoGP, which also takes place at the track.

Teams’ Frustration over Delayed Policing of Track Limits

Teams participating in the Austrian Grand Prix have expressed frustration over the delayed policing of track limits during the race. The lack of timely enforcement potentially prevented teams from warning their drivers when they received a black-and-white flag, indicating that they were one offense away from receiving a five-second penalty. The delayed response from race officials may have contributed to the teams’ inability to effectively manage their drivers’ behavior.

In conclusion, Aston Martin’s appeal against the provisional race classification underscores the need for fair and consistent enforcement of track limits in Formula 1. The FIA‘s ongoing review of the incidents and its commitment to address the issue highlights the governing body’s dedication to maintaining the integrity and competitiveness of the sport. The outcome of this appeal will have significant implications for the final race classification and the standings of drivers such as Carlos Sainz. Furthermore, the discussions surrounding the installation of gravel traps on certain sections of the Red Bull Ring indicate the importance of appropriate safety measures to prevent track limit infringements.