17 infractions to the minimum time to be respected during shootout qualifications in Austin

The FIA has implemented a maximum lap time limit to be adhered to during the drivers’ warm-up lap or their slow down lap after a timed lap. The aim of this limit is to encourage drivers to go fast enough so as not to slow down on the track and endanger a driver on a fast lap.

1:56.000 to respect in Austin

While the best qualifying time was clocked in 1 min 34 seconds, the FIA added about twenty seconds to this time, estimating that drivers going slower than 1m 56 would be considered too slow on the track.

This maximum time not to be exceeded has however been exceeded on 17 occasions during the sprint shootout qualifications. Russell, Albon, Hülkenberg, Magnussen, Gasly, Piastri, Norris, Bottas, Tsunoda, Perez, Zhou and Ricciardo are concerned. They all at one time or another drove slower than the 1m 56.

« The commissioners meticulously examined the positioning data, the timing data, the images from the onboard cameras and surveillance cameras for each incident. » explains the FIA statement.

« All concerned drivers remained at a speed equal to or higher than that required to stay below 1:56.0 per lap. However, in all cases, the stewards determined that the drivers took appropriate measures not to hinder other drivers. »

The FIA thus estimates that the drivers reacted appropriately, slowing down if necessary to let drivers on a fast lap pass.

« They either significantly slowed down to allow the other drivers to overtake them while providing a clear track, or they adopted sensible driving to avoid any potentially dangerous incident on the track. The stewards thus concluded that none of the concerned drivers drove in an “unnecessarily slow” manner, and that the obvious reason for them being over the maximum time was due to their appropriate actions. Therefore, no further action is taken. »

The commissioners therefore took into account the regulation while considering the intention behind the implementation of this maximum time limit to respect rather than taking it literally.

« The Commissioners note that the intention of the delta time regulation is to reduce the risks of dangerous nuisance incidents on the track. This intention is taken into account during the investigation of such incidents, and the Commissioners acknowledge that the regulation fulfills this function well. However, all teams and drivers are reminded that the leeway given in these particular incidents cannot be used as a general excuse for not complying with the delta time requirement. »

Note that during Friday’s qualifications, 3 drivers were involved.