The FIA is considering changes after marshals were involved in what Sebastian Vettel called a “dangerous” incident at Imola.
In recent years, under the Safety Car, lapped cars have been released before the restart but this has only typically been done once the track has been cleared to allow them to circle the track at full speed.
However, last Sunday, this process began while marshals were still on track clearing debris from George Russell’s crash approaching Acque Minerali, and though double-waved yellow flags were being shown, several drivers reacted differently.
Both Alfa Romeo’s and Romain Grosjean were warned and slowed dramatically, Vettel himself slowed upon seeing the marshals, but Lance Stroll was seen driving at near full-speed after being urged by his team to catch the back of the field as quickly as possible.
“Tell them to watch out, the marshals are on the track. It is very, very dangerous. Tell the marshals to get out of the track,” Vettel pleaded over the radio after passing through.
After the incident was brought to the FIA’s attention, a spokesperson told The Race: “The safety of the marshals and trackside officials is of the highest priority for the FIA.
“Race control was made aware of the issue and is evaluating whether any changes can be made to the procedures currently in place to further protect the marshals and officials and minimise the likelihood of a reoccurrence in the future.”
It’s not the first close call with marshals behind the Safety Car either, with Sergio Perez very fortunate to avoid hitting anybody after exiting the pits in Monaco last year.
