Formula One governing body vows to correct ‘procedural issues’ at Japanese Grand Prix
- FIA does not specify which issues, but there was fury at Suzuka after recovery tractor was deployed while cars were still on the track in treacherous conditions
- ‘Thorough analysis of the incidents’ after confusion, too, about the scoring system, with Max Verstappen initially unaware he had won the championship
Formula One’s governing body said on Wednesday it had looked into “procedural issues” that occurred at the Japanese Grand Prix and would correct them for the future.
The Paris-based FIA did not spell out what it was referring to but the shortened October 9 race at Suzuka triggered anger and alarm when a recovery tractor was deployed while cars were following the safety car in poor visibility and slippery conditions.
There was also post-race confusion about the scoring system, with Max Verstappen and his Red Bull team, along with most of those present and the global television audience, initially unaware that the Dutch driver had won the championship.
“As stated immediately after the race, the FIA has undertaken a thorough analysis of the incidents which took place at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka,” it said in a statement after a World Motor Sport Council meeting in London.
“Procedural issues have been identified and will be corrected in the short and medium term. The findings will be made public in the coming days.”
AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly had said he was glad to be alive after he sped past the tractor before the red flags were shown to stop the race.