Since the pit-lane fiasco at the Nürburgring which saw a FOM cameraman suffer several cracked ribs, and a broken collarbone as a result of a wheel coming loose off Mark Webber’s Red Bull and subsequently colliding into the beleaguered cameraman, the FIA have announced several changes to pit-lane operations. But are the FIA really getting to the heart of the problem?
With refueling during races being banned, the need for sub-three second pit stops has increased as it is during a tyre change where a race can be won or lost. The speed in which pit stops are executed now is nothing short of breath-taking. So when Mark Webber was released from his pit stop during the German Grand Prix recently without his rear-left properly attached it was clear it was an error from trying to get the car back on track too quickly after a problem with the mechanic’s gun.
The unfortunate accident which followed where the maverick wheel careered into a cameraman who had his back to it was undoubtedly rare, almost unique. Now the Formula 1 governing body have introduced a series of new restrictions on pit-lane activity.
Some of the major changes include cameramen now being restricted to the pit wall, a reduced speed for cars travelling down the pit-lane, and helmets required for all working in the pit-lane.
In reality these measures would not have stopped the cameraman being injured. What difference would wearing a helmet have made to cracked ribs and a broken collarbone? If the cameraman had not been hit by the wheel, then surely it would have continued into one of the garages or into a marshal or mechanic, who, again would not have been spared just by wearing a helmet? And what would have happened if the wheel had been heading towards the pit wall where no team personnel wear protective clothing?
It seems like the real problem that the FIA have failed to address and has sparked outrage across social media sites such as Twitter, is that there was an F1 car released back into the pit-lane with one wheel not secure. Even the penalty imposed: a 30,000 euro fine is realistically only pocket money to a team like Red Bull. Where is the incentive for them to slow down their pit stops?
All too recently, the FIA seems too reactionary in its handing out of penalties. Rather than preventing a problem before it happens, it takes a quick fix decision before it has really been considered properly. Is this the kind of ignorant thinking that should be rife from a governing body in a sport which is still very dangerous? Clearly some changes need to be made to improve the decision making process, which should be in the benefit of all involved with the sport.
