The FIA defended its decision to deploy marshals on track under double-waved yellow flag conditions during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Just two rounds ago in Mexico, the FIA were criticised when two marshals ran across the track metres in front of Liam Lawson’s Racing Bulls car.
Then, in Las Vegas, marshals were on track, clearing debris after a multi-car clash in the opening stages involving Gabriel Bortoleto and Lance Stroll.
The marshals were in Turn 1 collecting the pieces when they were seen running back across the track to get behind the barrier by the time Max Verstappen led the pack around.
Despite marshals crossing the track, the FIA kept the double-waved yellow flags rather than activating a Virtual Safety Car.
Niels Wittich, a former FIA race director, said he believed the current FIA leadership had made the wrong call.
“This must not happen, this is a situation that is absolutely unacceptable,” Wittich told Sky Sports Germany.
“Of course, you always have the setup. Especially at Turn 1 at every start. You put the marshals in motion or at least on standby. Because that is the biggest controlled gap you have at the start, once the last car has passed. In case there is any debris or parts that need to be picked up.
“But for it to take so long that the cars are basically already coming back around on their flying lap. A double yellow flag is not enough anymore at that point. That is simply wrong. I can’t understand how this has now happened for the second time this year.”
Justification from the FIA
The FIA’s reasoning behind the double yellow in Las Vegas was that the debris in Turn 1 was off the racing line, ensuring the marshals were not in harm’s way.
The track layout leaves Turn 1 blind for drivers. So, the double yellow flag area was extended to give drivers ample time to slow down.
However, the double yellow flag became a Virtual Safety Car a lap later after debris was noted in Turn 2, with a piece of wing close to the racing line.
Requiring marshals to cross the track necessitated the deployment of a Virtual Safety Car for safety.
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