Christian Horner, Red Bull Formula 1 boss, asks for a review on the start procedure of Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix by the FIA.
Eduardo Freitas, FIA race direcetor, delayed the race because of the rain and expected heavier downpour. The authorities announced the formation lap behind the safety car under the rain fall. It obliged the teams to fit extreme or full wet tyres before they could go for formation lap.
The regulations require the team to switch to the required tyres just before 5 minutes of the start. Some team were less prepared than others which cause another delay.
The cars followed safety car for two laps, before the heavy downpour. It forced for a red flag before the race had officially started.
Rain caused further delay before the start of race. It damaged F1 and FIA electrical systems.
Non-standard messages appeared on the timing screen which cause confusion in the teams.
“I think that needs a bit of a review because it was a little chaotic, with tyres coming on the grid, off the grid,” said Horner.
“It’s a busy enough grid here, and it’s always a little dangerous to try and pre-empt the weather.
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“You can argue it both ways. You could say we would have been better starting the race.And then reacting to the downpour. And either putting the safety car out or stopping the race. But I think it needs a bit of a review after this weekend.”
Matti Binotto, Ferrari team principal, also shared the reservations on the decision. He highlighted the five minute mandatory window to fit the extreme wets before the formation lap. Ferrari was one of the teams which were ready on time.
“You call it yourself, strange decisions,” he said. “But I can only say that we were a team that was fully prepared on the grid. We had our extreme wet tyres fitted on the cars on time.
“I think at the time, we were certainly in a strong position. And good for the team to show that at least we were organised, showing that we’ve got some great capacity as well.
“And sometimes we are doing the right way to say taking the right decisions, but unfortunate that the race control decided to postpone further the start of the race. Now why is it needed? Not clear to me. I think we should ask them for the reason.”
