All 10 F1 teams have escaped penalties from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stewards after “numerous” breaches of regulations concerning eye protection worn by their pit crews.
The stewards announced several drivers would be investigated after the race for pit stop infringements, including Lewis Hamilton, Pierre Gasly, Max Verstappen, Logan Sargeant, Zhou Guanyu and Alexander Albon.RaceFans was informed during the race that the alleged infringement was in connection with the eye protection used by the respective teams’ pit crews during the race.
After the chequered flag, the stewards summoned the managers of all 10 teams in connection with a suspected breach of Article 34.13 of the sporting regulations, which governs the protective head and eyewear pit stop personnel must wear.
The regulation states all members of the pit crew “must be wearing helmets which meet or exceed the requirements of ECE 22.05 – European motorcycle road helmet, DOT – USA motorcycle road helmet or JIS T8133-2015, class 2 – JPN protective helmets for automobile users.” It also specifies that “the use of appropriate eye protection is compulsory.”
After an investigation, the stewards determined that there had been “numerous” breaches of the regulation in cases where helmet visors had been open. However, the stewards took no further action on all ten teams after deciding it was “insufficiently clear” whether those who had their visors open were wearing glasses or some other form of eye protection that would satisfy the regulations.
“Notwithstanding,” the stewards said, “there were numerous examples of eye protection not being used.
“The safety of team members is paramount. All teams are requested to stress the importance of eye protection for all personnel working on a car and ensure that this article is respected by all team members in the future.”
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Zann (@zann)
26th November 2023, 17:15
Gogglegate :)
Craig
26th November 2023, 17:25
Seems a strange thing for teams to suddenly forget to do.
Shimks (@shimks)
26th November 2023, 17:42
It was probably just so hot that they needed to keep wiping the sweat out of their eyes.
AlanD
26th November 2023, 19:29
Maybe it was also because it was under lights, perhaps the glare was creating problems, though the drivers didn’t seem to have this problem. MAybe it has been happening all season, and the stewards hadn’t noticed because they’d been too busy handing out track liit penalties.
melanos
26th November 2023, 18:37
I was genuinely interested in knowing what the pitstop infringements were about. Well, I’m glad there were no post-race changes in the result. Safety is important, of course, but it all sounds a bit silly. A fine (several, really) might have been appropriate.
Yes (@come-on-kubica)
26th November 2023, 19:06
Should have disqualified all the teams.
Coventry Climax
26th November 2023, 19:38
FiA; joke of the year.
“Pitlane infringement”. The commentators had no idea what it was about either. How hard is it to just say “Crew safety eyewear infringement” instead?
Beyond ridiculous, yet typical FiA.
AlexS
26th November 2023, 19:58
This is incomplete news. We have what, but there is no explanation for why.
falken (@falken)
26th November 2023, 20:08
Looks like slam dunk penalties. Ask the teams if their are any mitigations, by all means, or allow them to appeal, but the photos seem IBF…
Bullfrog (@bullfrog)
26th November 2023, 20:22
Five-second penalties all round.
I luv chicken
26th November 2023, 20:23
I say, good for the stewards, and the FIA. Remember Jos V, and the fireball pitstop? In other forms of racing, it’s a serious penalty to infringe on pit crew helmet rules, from fines, to time/lap penalties. Even though, in the heat of the moment of an unexpected pit stop, the helmet rule may be infringed, this safety issue, cannot be overlooked. Cheers, to the officials, from this fan.
Scotty (@rockonscotty)
27th November 2023, 5:10
This feels like a friendly, or not so friendly, reminder to wear all the correct PPE. I’m not upset about it at all. Seeing the amount of brake dust, hot metal and shards of carbon fiber flying off the cars, I am surprised that we don’t see more crew injuries. I will also give a shoutout to the amazing efforts of these highly trained and dedicated professionals. One of the must impressive examples of teamwork and human performance at its limit is a sub 2 second pitstop. It would be a shame to see a career ending injury to one of these amazing individuals because they forgot to close their visor in the heat of battle.
Dave The Drummer (@davethedrummer)
27th November 2023, 9:11
This feels like the normal human tendency to become complacent over time. Standards drop unless they are reinforced every so often. I think this is one of those times. No biggie. Probably should have happened earlier though.