Author: Barkha Roy
While Sergio Perez’s victory in the Azerbaijan GP (ahead of teammate Max Verstappen), may have been the main news after the conclusion of the weekend, all the spotlight was on French driver Esteban Ocon amid the chaos of the pit lane.
During the 50th lap of the race, as the Alpine driver headed to the pit stop for a mandatory stop, the FIA staff were preparing to close the pit lane for the post-race celebrations. At the same time, a large group of photographers gathered near the entrance to the pit lane. It was fortunate that the Alpine driver managed to avoid a collision with the staff, which could have resulted in a tragic accident.
After the race, a spokesman confirmed that the FIA was investigating the matter, saying:“We are investigating the incident in the pit lane on the last lap.” The FIA summoned those responsible for managing the Parc Fermé area, asking them to report to the stewards at 17:30.
After a thorough analysis of the incident, the commissioners noted that there was no serious damage, but warned that it could have serious consequences. They have therefore instructed the FIA to collaborate with the relevant stakeholders, such as Formula 1 Management, the teams and the FIA itself, to re-evaluate existing procedures and protocols and ensure that such incidents are avoided in the future. To this end, the FIA has promised to review its procedures before the next F1 race in Miami, underlining its unwavering commitment to prioritizing the safety of all participants in the sport.
Esteban Ocon expressed his concern about the incident and asked the FIA to take action. For him, the situation had the potential to become a disaster, and he was worried about the safety of everyone involved.
In the race, Red Bull achieved an impressive 1-2 result, with Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen taking the first two positions. Charles Leclerc managed to secure his first podium in the 2023 season, finishing in third place. Fernando Alonso continued his strong season by finishing fourth, while Carlos Sainz, driving for Ferrari, completed the top five. This was an exciting race, and the riders showed great skill and determination throughout.
It’s fortunate that the Alpine driver managed to avoid contact with the FIA staff and that no tragedy occurred. Pit stops are a crucial part of a race and can be dangerous, so it’s important that all personnel involved are aware of their surroundings and take the necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.