Brundle blasts FIA for Monaco GP race control flaws

Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle has hit out at the FIA for how race control handled the start procedure in Monaco, causing confusion and frustration among F1 teams and fans alike.

Race control twice delayed the start of the event due to the weather, and when the race did get underway with a formation lap behind the safety car, the event was red flagged as a drizzle had turned into a proper downpour.

However, a lengthy delay ensued during which no information was provided by race control as for why the start of the race was being held up despite suitable track conditions.

After the race, it was revealed that the heavy rain had knocked out the power of the panel and light systems on the starting grid, which justified a rolling start.

"Holding up a race in anticipation of incoming weather is not necessary," Brundle wrote in his post-race Sky Sports column.

"We have virtual and real safety cars, red flags, pit stop crews who can change tyres in two seconds, and two types of wet weather tyres to cover those challenges. That’s what Formula One racing is all about.

"We were informed by the FIA at 20.03 after the race on Sunday that there were power issues on the starting gantry due to the heavy rain which explains the rolling starts after the red flags.

"If we had been told this in the media via our simple and effective WhatsApp group, we could have then informed the tens of millions of viewers around the globe and the tens of thousands of fans trackside, and it would all have made a lot more sense."

• Read also: Monaco GP second start delay caused by power outage

According to Brundle, it wasn't only the teams, the media and the fans that were left confused by events in Monaco.

"A couple of reliable sources tell me that there were heated arguments in Race Control during the impasse as we all looked on unsure of what was happening.

"This presumably explains the periods of inaction and lack of information, and the reason why the safety car was not out exploring track conditions as usual."

Following the controversy surrounding last year's title decider in Abu Dhabi, for which former FIA race director Michael Masi lost his job, the governing body overhauled F1's race control structure which now operates under the management of two alternating race directors, Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas.

But Brundle suggests the FIA must once again review its processes, and it must do so urgently.

"The FIA, for the well-being of F1, urgently needs a root and branch change with a fully dedicated and empowered Race Director with at least one understudy, a dedicated circuit and systems inspector, plus an empowered and effective communications department.

"I consider this a highest priority issue."

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner wasn't as critical as Brundle, but nevertheless recommended a full review of the events that unfolded at the start of the event.

"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.

"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."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter