FIA clamps down on impeding – bans drivers from blocking pitlane

The FIA has imposed a ban on drivers blocking the pitlane in F1 qualifying as part of the governing body’s efforts to reduce impeding in the session.

In a bid to prevent hazardous traffic issues out on the track during qualifying sessions, the FIA recently introduced a maximum lap time for drivers’ in-laps and out-laps

But the measure had led to drivers trying to manufacture a gap even before they begin their run by dramatically slowing down in the pitlane as they head out, or by stopping altogether in the fast lane of the pit exit, thus creating a bottleneck of cars at the end of the pitlane.

This tactic was notably evident at last weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix.

After qualifying, Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Fernando Alonso were investigated for stopping at the pit exit in an effort to establish a gap, although all were eventually cleared of any wrongdoing.

Widespread criticism of the pitlane ploy compelled F1 race director Niels Wittich to implement changes from this weekend’s race in Brazil that will strictly forbid drivers from holding up rivals in the pitlane during qualifying sessions.

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The changes will be in force for Friday’s qualifying and Saturday’s Sprint Shootout.

“As per article 33.4 of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, drivers are not allowed to go unnecessarily slow, that includes stopping a car in the fast lane of the pitlane,” the race director’s event notes state.

“During Shootout and Qualifying, drivers may create a gap between the pit exit lights and the SC2 line.

“Any driver who wishes to do so must drive as far to the left as possible to allow other drivers to pass them on the right side of the pit exit road.”

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