Pit Lane Penalties Impact Monaco Grand Prix Outcome
The Monaco Grand Prix saw several drivers penalised for exceeding the 60kph pit lane speed limit, significantly influencing the final podium positions. The speed limit in the Monte Carlo pit lane is a crucial factor, with infringements typically rare in Formula 1.
Among those affected was Alpine driver Pierre Gasly, who received two separate five-second penalties for speeding in the pit lane. These penalties ultimately dropped him from a provisional third place at the chequered flag to seventh. Gasly expressed his disappointment following the race, stating he was “heartbroken” and questioning the circumstances surrounding the penalties.
Alpine has since requested a right of review from the FIA regarding the pit lane speeding penalties. To secure a further hearing, Alpine will need to present new evidence that was not available when the stewards made their initial decision.
Drivers Question Penalty System
A number of drivers, including Gasly, raised concerns about the penalties. Gasly indicated that he activated the pit limiter well before the designated line on both occasions. He also mentioned that the team had set the correct speed in the car, according to their information. He hoped for an investigation into the matter.
George Russell of Mercedes also faced penalties for speeding in the pit lane. He was penalised during his first pit stop and later received a drive-through penalty for a pit stop infringement under a Safety Car period. Russell questioned the penalty, suggesting a potential issue with the pit lane software, as he believed he was on the pit limiter before the line.
Lewis Hamilton, another driver penalised for the same offence, maintained that he was not speeding. He suggested that the pit lane’s design and the line drivers take might be contributing factors, especially given that many drivers received penalties. Hamilton noted that the pit lane limiter was engaged immediately.
The Technicality Behind the Infringements
The numerous speeding penalties are believed to be linked to drivers cutting the pit lane. The pit lane in Monaco this year is configured to be slightly more open compared to previous years, which may encourage drivers to cut the white line that marks the fast lane. This practice, while allowed from a regulatory standpoint, can create a discrepancy in how speed is measured.
Formula 1 cars’ speeds in the pit lane are measured using electronic timing loops and FIA transponders, which calculate speed based on the time taken to cover a specific distance. If a driver cuts the line, the distance covered is marginally shortened. Consequently, a car travelling at exactly 60kph could register as slightly over the speed limit due to the reduced distance, leading to penalties for even minimal infringements.
Reports indicate that this issue was discussed between teams and the FIA during the race weekend, with some drivers receiving warnings to be cautious about their positioning in the pit lane. Gasly’s two offences were recorded at 0.1kph and 0.4kph over the 60kph limit.
The next race on the calendar is the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
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Source: formula1.com
