Formula 1: FIA takes new measures to avoid confusion in Monza qualifying | 2023 Italy GP. FIA takes new measures to avoid confusion in Monza qualifying.

Qualifying at Monza is often characterized by the search for slipstream, which has, on several occasions, led to tangles of cars unable to complete their final lap, as happened in the closing minutes of the 2019 edition. While in Formula 1, especially in Q3, this aspect is somewhat mitigated by the fact that there are fewer cars on the track, in the feeder categories where qualifying is not staggered, there is a risk of seeing a large group vying for position at the end.

This situation has already occurred this weekend in the Formula 2 qualifying sessions, where in the final minutes, drivers gathered into a substantial group with a slow pace. This not only meant that some were unable to cross the finish line before the session ended, but also that those who managed to avoid the checkered flag were unable to improve their times due to the traffic.

For this reason, the FIA has adopted additional measures to prevent traffic chaos in the qualifying session of the Italian Grand Prix, revising the minimum time of travel between the two SC Lines.

The FIA regularly monitors drivers who drive too slowly during qualifying by imposing minimum times between the second (leaving the pit lane) and the first Safety Car line (towards the pit entry) so as to cover the entire circuit except the pit lane area.

But at Monza, they have now extended this rule to all laps, including out-laps, to prevent traffic issues from getting out of hand. In an addendum to the FIA’s notes published on Saturday morning, race director Niels Wittich wrote the following:

“4.2 For the safety and orderly conduct of the event, unless exceptional circumstances are accepted as such by the Stewards, any driver exceeding 1 minute and 41 seconds from the second Safety Car line to the first Safety Car line IN ANY LAP during and after the end of the qualifying session, including in-laps and out-laps, may be considered as if they were unnecessarily slow.”

“To avoid any misunderstanding, this does not replace Article 33.4 and Article 37.5 of the FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, which apply to the entire Circuit. Incidents will normally be examined after the qualifying session.”

Traffic issues are exacerbated by the high-speed layout of Monza, which forces drivers to find a slipstream from the car ahead to increase straight-line speed. This also means that drivers are reluctant to be the first car to lead the group, further encouraging them to take their time so they can drop back.