Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, will investigate the procedure that led to a recovery vehicle being on track at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Carlos Sainz crashed on the opening lap through Turn 12 in wet conditions and the Safety Car was deployed.
A recovery vehicle was on track by the time 17 of the remaining 18 drivers filtered through behind the Safety Car, while Pierre Gasly – adrift at the back after pitting for repairs – approached at greater speed.
Drivers were vocal about the situation in the aftermath of the race with those questioned on the matter asserting that recovery vehicles should never share a track with Formula 1 cars.
The incident came eight years after Jules Bianchi suffered fatal injuries at the same circuit after he struck a recovery vehicle in wet conditions.
‘While it is normal practice to recover cars under Safety Car and Red Flag conditions, due to the particular circumstances and also taking into account feedback from of a number of drivers, the FIA has launched a thorough review of the events involving the deployment of recovery vehicles during the Japanese Grand Prix’, read a statement.
‘This is part of the common practice of debrief and analysis of all race incidents to ensure continual improvements of processes and procedures.’
The race was red-flagged just as Gasly passed the incident.
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