The FIA seems to be very fierce lately, in fact, between the repeal of the DT39, the fight against bicycles and scooters during track walks, and the discussions on the Budget Cap, today she spoke on another topic, dear to all fans.
Forbidden to lean!
Following the grand prix of Jeddah, the last race of the 2023 championship, the FIA considered it necessary to reiterate the danger of leaning out of the metal guards on the starting straight section. Indeed, as we well know, at the end of the grand prix it is usual to see the men of the winning team lean out and cheer for their driver. This is no longer good for the FIA, it can no longer be done!
But why are we talking about it now? As previously mentioned, this celebration has always existed in F1, it is also an image and emblem of some historical moments, just think of the Ferrari-Schumacher era, with the railings that seemed to be painted red.
So why are we talking about it now? On 19 March, as the cars arrived on the final straight, a large number of mechanics and engineers from the Red Bull and Aston Martin team had climbed onto the metal barriers. The FIA therefore deemed it appropriate to recall that the regulation imposes restrictions on the use of the walls.
What does Appendix H Article 2.3.2 of the Regulation say?
As recalled by race director Niels Wittich, in the pre-weekend statements a Melbourne, a part of regulation already provides for a ban on the abuse of the wall on the straight. "Mechanical personnel are allowed to enter the pit lane only if actions are required on the car, and once these are completed they are required to leave the lane”. It also highlights how climbing and leaning over fences is prohibited and reported to the stewards. It is therefore not a new rule, but a reminder for the teams.
When and how will things change?
The FIA's hard fist will already be felt during the Melbourne grand prix, in which the use of pilot signs will not be prohibited, nor the use of the "holes" present on the fences. However, the climbing ban remains absolute. Obviously the punishments will not include penalties on the track, but only possible slight fines, which in the F1 of the Budget Cap era could make some teams desist from making the dear and well-known exultation.
