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According to reports ‘F1 Races at Risk: FIA Chief Backs Leclerc Amid Driver Grievances’ FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has indicated that certain circuits may be removed from the F1 calendar if modifications are not implemented.
Instances of exceeding track limits were prominent in both Austria and Qatar, with Charles Leclerc being one of the drivers expressing discontent over the penalties issued by stewards at the Losail Circuit.
In Qatar, drivers such as Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, Pierre Gasly, and Alex Albon received multiple penalties for going beyond track limits. Stewards penalized a total of 51 violations, marking it as the second-highest number of infractions in a race this season, trailing only behind Austria.
“After the chequered flag,” Leclerc lamented, “we’re talking about centimeters at 280kph. During qualifying, when we’re fresh, it’s possible to adhere to the limits. But during the race, it becomes a nightmare.”
Ben Sulayem sided with Leclerc, informing race organizers that adjustments to the calendar might be necessary if they resist implementing measures to reduce infringements.
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“We faced a similar problem in Austria,” stated the FIA chief. “While I commend the stewards for their vigilance, this isn’t the ultimate solution. The key is to enhance the track itself.”
Acknowledging resistance to changes, Ben Sulayem emphasized, “I must be candid—if they refuse to make changes, there won’t be a race. It’s that simple. We can’t afford this. One solution is to reduce traction when cars go off the track. We could consider altering the height of the kerbs.”
He also proposed, “Another possibility is introducing gravel, but we must exercise caution to prevent any cars from getting stuck. Action needs to be taken promptly, and driver feedback is crucial. It’s urgent and must be implemented for the next year.”
Lance Stroll faced severe penalties for exceeding track limits in Qatar, adversely affecting his race performance for Aston Martin in the intense heat and humidity.
Struggling to stay within the lines due to physical strain, Stroll highlighted the demanding nature of the race, with several drivers requiring medical attention post-race.
Facts To Know About FIA
- The FIA, or Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, is the world’s governing body for motorsport and motoring.
- It was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Paris, France.
- The FIA has 245 member organizations from 146 countries.
- It is responsible for the organization and regulation of major motorsport events, such as the Formula One World Championship, the World Rally Championship, and the World Endurance Championship.
- The FIA also plays a leading role in promoting road safety and sustainable mobility.
Here are some additional facts about the FIA:
- The FIA is responsible for developing and implementing safety standards for motorsport vehicles and tracks.
- It also provides training and education to motorsport officials and competitors.
- The FIA is working to promote the development of sustainable motorsport technologies, such as electric and hybrid vehicles.
- The FIA is also involved in a number of road safety initiatives, such as the “FIA Action for Road Safety” campaign.