Pilots are prohibited from using bicycles and other motorized vehicles to familiarize themselves with the circuits

Everyone on foot! For drivers who are accustomed to recognizing circuits by bike, they will now have to wear running shoes or hiking shoes to do the famous track walk on Thursday. These track recognitions are part of the pre-weekend racing rituals and allow pilots, along with their engineers, to recognize a layout and analyze any potential modifications.

Some were already doing this reconnaissance on foot while others preferred bicycles. From now on, two-wheelers will no longer be allowed. The FOM (Formula One Management) justified its decision by citing “traffic” that has become too heavy on the track on Thursdays, where bicycles pose a danger.

It should be said that track walks attract a crowd because, in addition to F1 paddock members, those from Formula 2 and Formula 3 also have the opportunity to take a lap around the circuit. Riding a bicycle and weaving between team members, risking an accident, is a responsibility that the FOM and FIA want to avoid.

The bicycle is not the only means of transportation affected by this ban. As mentioned by the FOM in its note sent to the teams, scooters are also subject to the same fate: « To clarify and avoid any misunderstandings, the use of any means of transport (bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, electric scooters, etc.) is prohibited during the time window indicated as “team reconnaissance on foot” in the event program. No exceptions will be allowed. This decision was made in agreement with the FIA. »