2020 Russian GP - Sochi

[Nitrodaze]

EVENT NOTES 24/09/2020 10:55 - Michael Masi Race Director

19) Practice starts
19.1 Practice starts may only be carried out on the right-hand side after the pit exit lights and, for the
avoidance of doubt, this includes any time the pit exit is open for the race.
Drivers must leave adequate room on their left for another driver to pass.
19.2 For reasons of safety and sporting equity, cars may not stop in the fast lane at any time the pit exit is open without a justifiable reason (a practice start is not considered a justifiable reason).

According to 19.1, there is no specific spot where practice starts must occur but a general area which is on the right hand side anywhere after the pit exit lights.

It also stipulates that the driver must leave adequate room on the left for other drivers to pass.

It is very hard to show from the wording of this rule how Hamilton has contravened this instruction in 19.1. Especially since it could be shown that drivers have done the same in the past. And that it makes sense that it is a general area due to one specific spot not being sufficient for all drivers to do a practice start; due to degradation of the surface at a single spot after the first few drivers have used the spot.

Micheal Masi had the opportunity to clarify the extent of the area on the right that applies to this rule but has failed to do so because it would make the stewards look very bad as a consequence. So the paddock is left with an unclear indication of what is and is not in the extent of the zone in the pit exit that should be used for practice starts.

Now, don't you just miss Charlie Whiting!


You could argue that Hamilton caused other drivers to cross the pit line. But is that unsafe with all cars heading to the grid for the start of the race. This would be a good argument if this occurred during active practice sessions for instance. As one would expect fast moving cars to be passing the pit exit, thus crossing the line may be deemed dangerous in that situation. But this is not the case.

Whichever way you look at this, it still looks like the instruction in the event notes was poorly interpreted. And the following punishment was consequentially grossly heavy handed. And Masi is not covering himself with glory here, as he has displayed that he lacks objectivity.