Several drivers accused the FIA of being rather negligent over the weekend Las Vegas. Taken by the show staged by Liberty Media, the Federation would have been willing to ignore delicate issues, turning a blind eye to security with the cry of "the show must go on". After the episode of manhole hit by Sainz and Ocon Friday, which put the safety of the drivers at risk, raising the issue of safety on the street circuit, now another controversy has arisen.
The controversy raised concerns the oil that the cars responsible for transporting the drivers to the parade preceding the GP would have missing on the starting grid. Carlos Sainz, which on Friday had hit the manhole, destroying a large part of the bottom and also knocking out the battery he was the first to raise the issue. Sainz drew the attention of the FIA to the issue of safety. The Spaniard received a penalty. From the FIA, much less from the organizers, no apologies. A lightness that surprised everyone. And to which Sainz and others responded with further accusations against the FIA.
The offending episode
Before the start of the race, a vintage car used for the drivers' parade, in particular that of Piastri, would have leaked oil on the starting grid, making it slippery. A fact which, although the stewards intervened by spreading cement powder to absorb the slippery spill, according to Sainz it would have influenced and penalized the start of several cars. This inconvenience aroused bewilderment and indignation among the pilots. Sainz, intent on making himself heard after the manhole mockery, attributed the contact with Hamilton on the first lap to this factor. Gasly also expressed his disappointment. The Frenchman highlighted the injustice of the situation. Clarifying that he has highlighted the issue to the FIA to ensure a change that ensures fairer racing conditions for all drivers.
The FIA should pay more attention to details
The FIA has not yet commented on the issue, but rather said it was satisfied with the weekend. According to the president of the Federation I'm Sulayem the weekend in Las Vegas was a deserved success for F1. However, it is also true that these recognitions and enthusiasm must not distract the FIA from doing its job. That is, guaranteeing a more correct and safe sport. This is precisely what pilots often complain about when they are forced to deal with regulations full of corrections, with missing pieces added like patches on torn jeans. Or with unnecessarily dangerous situations. This is what's wrong, what needs to be avoided to save the sport, not the show. It certainly won't be three or four Elvises with sequins and wigs that will ruin it.
