Originally Posted by
Nitrodaze
I vaguely remember the cars were in park ferme while they lined up in the pitlane during a red flag. During that period, the cars cannot be worked on. But 10 mins before the race is about to restart, engineers are allowed to change tyres or fix any damage that can be fixed within 10 minutes. But it seems the rules have changed. Cars were being worked on the moment they arrived at the pitlane. So the regulation may have changed in this respect.
I think it is ok for repairs to be fixed or tyres to be replaced while the cars are in the pitlane during the red flag. Drivers that gamble on a red flag benefit as they should. This is part of the tactics of winning. Hamilton has used this technique to great effect in the past. This time around, Verstappen has lucked into snatching the lead by benefiting from the red flag.
I don't think it is a rule that needs fixing as there is nothing wrong with it.
The FIA employed stewards are the same group throughout the season l believe. But the stewarding team at each race weekend includes an ex-driver consultant which is usually different at most race weekends through the season.
On Masi, he has become so very unpopular at the moment, such that l am sure there would be great cheer if he was fired at the end of the season. That said, his job is not the easiest in a hard-fought season such as this one. Nonetheless, most of his choices have been seen by many to be questionable.