Red lights in the pits: Barrichello loses his temper

Rubens Barrichello has called for a change in the pit signal system. This reaction follows his disqualification from the Australian Grand Prix during which he exited the pits while the light prohibited it as it was red.

The Brazilian was fighting for points in Melbourne, but a disastrous pit stop combined with a penalty and ultimately his disqualification led him to turn his focus to Malaysia. He had, in fact, violated safety regulations by entering the pit lane while the safety car was out, taken some team members along, and then ignored the red light while exiting the pits.

Barrichello stated that he did not see it and does not think a new system will help prevent similar situations in the future.

« I’ve never seen a red light. I will never see it, and I don’t want to see it. These lights are in the wrong place, and by the time you see it, it’s too late, you’ve already passed it, » said the South American.

« Due to the new electronic systems, you have different functions and different buttons that you must operate when passing through the pits. »

When asked if he would prefer the use of a flag at the pit exit, Barrichello stated: « Yes, why not, or at least a large sign. You need something much larger than just red lights. »

« My problem, even though I’ve been in F1 for 16 years, is that the further you advance in the race, the less you see these lights. The same thing happened to Montoya, Massa, and Kubica. »