In an effort to prevent a repeat of the yellow-flag controversy surrounding Nico Rosberg at last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, the FIA have announced that they will make use of the red-flag during the qualifying sessions.
Nico Rosberg fell victim to the yellow-flags while qualifying in Hungary. Fernando Alonso spun near the end of the session, bringing out the double yellow-flags. This caused Lewis Hamilton to abandon his attempt at earning pole position, whereas Rosberg completed the lap and was still to set the fastest lap of the session. After hours of discussion among the stewards, it was determined that Rosberg had slowed down in the yellow sector. However, the incident caused a lot of controversy in the paddock.
Charlie Whiting, the FIA race director, has said that he will use the red-flag during accidents in the qualifying sessions. This is an attempt to prevent further controversies in the future. In the event of a spin which requires the double yellow-flags, Whiting will deploy the red-flag. As a result, all lap times in progress will be invalidated and all cars must return to the garage. The FIA are hoping that this will encourage the drivers to slow down in the area of an accident, seeing as there will no motivation for the drivers to complete the lap as quick as possible.
The new decision to use red-flags will help to protect the drivers and track crews, by forcing drivers to slow down when approaching dangerous areas where track workers may be present.
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