View point: Stop the clock if there is a red flag during free practice
F1 News
- GPblog.com
On Friday in Zandvoort we saw several red flags. Especially during the first free practice, this caused problems, because there were only 23 minutes left for the drivers to drive laps on the circuit. The car of Sebastian Vettel could not be taken out immediately. Also during FP2 we saw red flags caused by Lewis Hamilton and Nikita Mazepin.
A red flag during free practice looks different than during the race. Where the clock is stopped during the race, it continues during free practice. There is frustration in the paddock, also from Toto Wolff.
Valuable time
The time of the practice sessions has been reduced to just 60 minutes. It is valuable time, especially at a circuit like Zandvoort where the teams and drivers haven't raced in 36 years. Especially for the fans it is a shame, because they pay money to see the F1-cars in action. For fans who only have a Friday ticket it is a shame to see less action on the track.
After the short race at Spa-Francorchamps the red flag rules were already being questioned and again this weekend we can only wonder if the rules should not be revised. Would it be better to stop time at a red flag in free practice? Let's hear your opinion below!