Ok, so I wrote a draft version of this article on a plane to San Francisco. I then rewrote it a few days later while waiting in the airport for a flight to New York City. I'm not sure if you need to know this information, but for context, if it doesn't make sense, I'm exhausted and over dramatic when it comes to suffering with jet lag so please don't turn it off because you don't know what the heck I'm going to say next.
So, red flags. Every red flag period during a race we find ourselves having the same discussion time and time again - "should teams really be allowed to change tyres during a red flag?"
Some fans will see no problem with this and other's may view it as an unfair advantage. Either way, it's a regulation, if you could call it that, that looks as if it here's to stay.
For any newbies to the sport, a red flag is shown when the race needs to be halted due to dangerous track conditions. This could be due to a crash, the weather or a technical fault amongst others. If you're interested, Wikipedia has a list of every red flag period in the history of F1.
In recent years, especially, a number of drivers have fallen victim to loosing out during a red flag. Remember the 2020 Italian Grand Prix? I'm sure Carlos Sainz does. He was driving for McLaren at the time when a late race red flag cost him his first victory in Formula One. However, for Pierre Gasly in his Alpha Tauri, the red flag was shown at the right time as he was yet to pit for new boots. Effectively, the red flag gave him a "free pit stop" - where he could change tyres without loosing position. Therefore, he continued to lead and won the race. For Sainz, however, without the red flag he would have won. And we all remember his now infamous quote from that race. "I want this win, Tom." But alas, the Spaniard had to settle for 2nd. Is that really fair?
When it comes to all forms of motorsport in can, at times, be luck of the draw. Is it fair that a driver can have a DNF through no fault of his or her's own? Of course not but it's motorsport and in some ways, this tyre regulation during a red flag is, in a way, the same scenario. It's just one of those things, right?
The obvious frustration drivers show when loosing out this way is understandable. And, for fans, seeing their favourite drivers drop down the order because of this is heartbreaking. There is no other way to describe it. However, in a more positive light, it can turn a boring race around. It can give motorsport fans what they want - an adrenaline packed motor race.
As a self proclaimed Sainz fan, I'm more than happy to admit that THAT Italian GP in 2020 was indeed frustrating and would have probably been at the front of a picket line in favour of abolishing this tyre reg. But, I don't think it needs abolishing. Maybe it's more in need of a review and a slight tweak. Should drivers still have to make a mandatory pit stop whether there's a red flag or not? It's an idea that the FIA while probably never consider.
In the meantime, let's enjoy the racing that this regulation gives us, at times. That's what motorsport is about right? The adreneline and element of surprise. That's what we're here for, right?
Tell me, what's your opinion on this matter?
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