The FIA apologizes for allowing photographers on the pitlane during the last lap
In the last lap of the race, Esteban Ocon narrowly avoided colliding with guests and photographers as he was heading to the pit lane to change tires. These individuals were standing in a dangerous area.
The tragedy was narrowly avoided. Thankfully, Esteban Ocon has excellent reflexes. While he was heading towards the pits on the last lap to change tyres, he was confronted with a crowd of guests and photographers, present under the podium.
The Frenchman was furious after narrowly missing hitting these marshals and photographers. Following this incident, the FIA launched an investigation and delivered its verdict.
We have noticed that it was not unusual to allow these individuals to enter the pit lane just before the end of the race, as part of the usual preparations for the Parc Fermé and podium ceremony. However, in this particular case, a driver entered during the final lap to change tires, creating a very dangerous situation… We have emphasized that safety and order requirements are paramount.
We have thoroughly examined the procedures and applicable protocol with the representatives of the FIA and have asked them to take immediate measures to review these procedures and protocols with the relevant stakeholders (including the FOM).
The representatives of the FIA expressed their regrets for what happened and assured us that they would do it in time for the next race.
What happened?
At the very end of the race, photographers gather near the circuit to position themselves in front of the pitlane entrance to get the best spot for the podium ceremony. In Baku, like elsewhere in recent years, officials generally let the photographers through as soon as the first driver crosses the finish line. Here, Ocon entered the pits to change tires on the very last lap. He was near the bottom of the standings, almost a lap behind the leader. So when Ocon entered, the leader was about to cross the finish line. Therefore, most of the photographers were already on the pitlane or had crossed over to the pitwall area.
Ocon then had to spend a lot of time safely navigating through the zone with his Alpine before rejoining his pit box, thus losing precious seconds.
