The FIA have moved to clarify a ‘memo’ which requires drivers to return to the pits on their qualifying in-lap within a specified time, after Lewis Hamilton’s debacle in Montreal.
The McLaren driver managed to secure pole, however he was later fined £6,600 ($10,000) and reprimanded for stopping on track after running low on fuel. Hamilton then jumped out of his moving car, pushing it a few yards before getting a lift back to the pits.
The FIA issued a memo a few seasons back to ensure drivers didn’t travel too slowly on their in-lap, therefore penalising drivers still setting a time. However, as it was just a memo, the FIA made the decision not to demote Hamilton.
Ross Brawn said after the incident, that he hoped it wouldn’t set a precedent for drivers running light in qualifying: “I don’t know all the details so it’s hard to comment,” he said. “But we must not come to a situation where cars run out of fuel after their last lap because they want to be running as light as possible.”
The FIA discussed the situation before the race on Sunday, with race director Charlie Whiting clarifying that any team found doing the same in future would have to explain their actions in front of the stewards, and would be penalised if the explanations wasn’t sufficient.
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