After criticism of the unspectacular end of the race behind the safety car at the Formula 1 race in Monza, the World Automobile Association explained and justified the procedure.
Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren had a defect on the side of the track a few laps before the end.
An FIA spokesman said that the so-called stewards were not able to bring the Formula 1 car from there to a neutral zone. And safety is the top priority.
The situation was also not sufficient for red flags. This would have meant the race had to be canceled and restarted.
Because the car could not be taken off the course in time, the race had to be ended behind the safety car.
No more duels for the Formula 1 victory in Monza
As a result, there was no longer a duel for victory. Max Verstappen, who was in the lead in the Red Bull, as well as his pursuer Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari, had immediately installed the softest and fastest tire compound for a final duel at the beginning of the safety car phase, relaxed and steered his car to his first victory on the circuit in Monza.
In the event of a restart, he “wouldn’t have worried either,” emphasized the 24-year-old world champion. He also had the soft tires.
With a 116-point lead over Leclerc, Verstappen can mathematically defend his title prematurely in the next race.