The FIA has explained why it called a Virtual Safety Car in Formula 1‘s Mexico City Grand Prix, denying fans last-lap drama between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.
The race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was coming towards its conclusion with Leclerc running in second place, with Lando Norris sailing off into the distance.
Leclerc came under extreme pressure from Verstappen in the closing laps, the Dutchman having completed a superb long stint on Soft tyres.
Coming into the final lap, Verstappen was getting into reach of the DRS zone behind Leclerc’s Ferrari, and looking set to complete a stunning drive with the Monegasque’s tyres wearing off.
But the VSC put paid to the idea of potential drama, ending in the final sector of the lap, with Leclerc managing to hold on to second.
It was unclear what the cause of the VSC was, but it transpired that Carlos Sainz’s Williams stopping at the stadium complex at the end of the lap was the catalyst.
“Later in the race on lap 70, Sainz spun and stopped in the runoff area on the outside of Turn 14. His car came to a halt in an exposed position,” the FIA explained in a statement after the race.
“The car subsequently began smoking and race control received notifications of fire, making it clear that marshal intervention would be required for recovery.
“As is standard procedure when marshals are deployed to recover a car, the race is neutralized, in this case, a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was triggered until the car was moved to a safe location behind the barriers.
“The VSC ended as soon as the car was in a protected position, and the race concluded under green-flag conditions.”
After the race, both Leclerc and Verstappen gave their own take on the VSC, with the Ferrari driver relieved it came out when it did.
“I was quite happy about the Safety Car at the end,” he joked to media including Motorsport Week.”
“My tyres were completely gone and Max was coming back on the softer tyre, so it was tough. But I think the Safety Car saved me at the end.`’
For Verstappen, it was a moment to be philosophica, admitting it is just part and parcel of racing.
“I mean, you win some, you lose some, right? he calmly epxpained to media including Motorsport Week.
“Sometimes the Safety Car works for you, and sometimes it works against you.”
READ MORE – Lando Norris seizes F1 title lead with dominant Mexico GP victory
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