Three Drivers Are Handed Grid Penalties For Pit Lane Impeding During Brazil Qualifying

Posted on November 3, 2023 | by Charley Williams The Brazilian GP qualifying was quite literally electrifying and not short on drama. Though most of that came from the huge storm that hit the track during Q3, there were still some impeding infringements to be investigated after the session – you know, just to add a little extra spice.  George Russell, Pierre Gasly, and Esteban Ocon enjoyed a lovely trip to the stewards after the qualifying session came to an abrupt end during Q3 due to an incoming storm. They were investigated for impeding in the pit exit, something that the FIA have made strides to try to avoid at the Brazilian GP. Following multiple incidents in the pitlane in Mexico and other recent qualifying sessions, FIA race director Niels Wittich added to the event notes that drivers were prohibited from holding up rivals in the fast lane of the pits during qualifying but offered a solution for where drivers could still find gaps before heading on track. The new instruction stated that drivers may only create a gap between the pit exit lights and the SC2 line and must drive as far to the left as possible to allow other drivers to pass them on the right side of the pit exit road. The first test of this new “solution” ended with three drivers being summoned and given grid penalties for alleged impeding at the pit exit – this will be applied at Sunday’s grand prix. The reason given by the Stewards was that the drivers did not adhere to the Race Director’s Event Notes that were specifically made to stop this incident from occurring. George, Pierre and Esteban did not manage to stay completely to the left as instructed. Therefore, cars were not able to overtake. That means Russell is set to start in P8, with the Alpine duo lining up in P14 and P15. Are you happy to see the FIA clamping down on drivers impeding in the pit lane/exit?