FIA explain decisions after controversy in Qatar: 'In line with guidelines'

FIA explain decisions after controversy at Qatar GP

Marques, who replaced Niels Wittich as race director, chose not to deploy a safety car or virtual safety car for Alexander Albon's detached mirror, which was on the straight. There was, however, a double yellow. Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz drove over the part, and both suffered punctures. Due to the debris, a safety car was needed in the end.

The FIA explained why a (virtual) safety car was not chosen. " Normal practice is for the safety car not to be deployed if there is a small amount of debris,  and off the racing line. The extensive debris after a car hit the mirror and the punctures that occurred shortly after forced the decision on a safety car," explained the governing body.

"A VSC would not have been a solution, as the cars remain spread-out and there is not sufficient time for a marshal to clear the debris. The FIA constantly reviews its methods and processes and will analyse further the specific scenario, and discuss it with the teams, in order to see whether in the future a different course of action needs to be taken."

FIA explains the heavy penalty for Norris

Lando Norris was heavily penalised in the closing stages of the race for not getting off the gas during double yellow due to the mirror on the straight. The FIA stressed that the McLaren driver was penalised in line with the regulations. "The penalty was in accordance with the penalty guidelines circulated to the teams on 19 February 2024. A double yellow flag infringement is considered a serious compromise of safety, which is why such offences carry such a severe penalty," the motorsport federation explained.

The explanation for the safety car lights, which were not working properly during the second safety car period, followed. "During the 2nd safety car period, the lights malfunctioned. All teams were verbally advised that the SC would be coming in, so the re-start took place in the normal fashion. While the reason for the malfunction was identified and fixed, out of caution, the safety car was swapped in time for its 3rd deployment."

This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton