Decision Car 4 Allegedly Impeding During A Practice Start
Time 10:30 2022 FRENCH GRAND PRIX 21 - 24 July 2022 The FIA Formula One Media Delegate Title Automobile Display Procedure · 2022 · 23 July 2022 · Doc 34
- Driver
- Lando Norris
- Team
- McLaren F1 Team
- Session
- Practice 3
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
McLaren F1 Team
Document 34
Date 23 July 2022
Time 16:09 2022 FRENCH GRAND PRIX 21 - 24 July 2022 The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (documents 30 and 31) and heard from the drivers and team representatives, have considered the following matter, and determine the following:
No / Driver 4 - Lando Norris Competitor McLaren F1 Team Time 13:50 Session Practice 3 Fact Alleged Impeding of car 18 during a practice start. Offence Alleged Breach of Article 33.4 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. Decision No further action. Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 4 (Lando Norris), the driver of car 18 (Lance Stroll) and team representatives and examined video evidence. NOR was stopped in the slow lane at Pit Exit preparing for a practice start from that position as permitted by the Race Director's Event Notes. STR was traversing the fast lane approaching Pit Exit when NOR performed his practice start in the path of STR. STR braked to avoid a collision with NOR. There was no contact between the cars. STR and NOR were in agreement that what occurred did not endanger STR. STR could see NOR stopped preparing for a practice start and was prepared for the possibility that STR might not see him approaching. Indeed, NOR explained that because the area for practice starts is downhill, it is not possible for a driver in that position to see a car approaching from behind in his mirrors. There is no specific rule which dictates protocol for performing practice starts other than that they can only be done from the position NOR was in at the time. Nevertheless, the Stewards consider that a car performing a practice start must give way to a car in the fast lane approaching Pit Exit in the interests of safety. Because in this case both drivers were agreed that the practice start did not create a dangerous situation in this case, the Stewards determined to take no action. Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.