People watching the Singapore Grand Prix witnessed an unusual occurrence in Formula One, as a marshal was forced into a foot-race with a pack of F1 cars heading in his direction. It’s not often that we see that type of situation happen in the sport and the marshal was lucky enough to escape unharmed, but nevertheless this type of situation is 100% unacceptable!
The Singapore Flyer ferris wheel alongside the Marina Bay Street Circuit
The incident occurred after the safety car period at the start of the Singapore Grand Prix. When the safety car was called in a safety marshal was still on the start-finish straight. The marshal was able to sprint to safety, just ahead of the race leader Nico Rosberg.
According to various sources, the FIA has stated that they followed their procedures regarding the safety car, but that the circuit had failed to do so. According to Autosport, the regulations requires three confirmations that the circuit has been cleared of any debris before the safety car is returned to the pits. Apparently, the FIA had received those confirmations, but a marshal had been instructed by the clerk of the course to go onto the track after the final confirmation had been received.
Placing a marshal in such a dangerous position is completely unacceptable and can have fatal results, as we have witnessed in past incidents, specifically the accident at the 1977 South African Grand Prix which resulted in the death of two people, including driver Tom Pryce. These sort of miscommunications or mistakes can happen from time to time, but the FIA definitely needs to launch an investigation into the issue to ensure that this situation never ever occurs again.
Track marshals taking a photo with Sergio Pérez at the 2015 Mexican Grand Prix
In addition, I believe that both Mercedes drivers should be spoken to for their dangerous behavior during the incident. Nico Rosberg did not appear to visually slow or adjust his racing line to ensure that the marshal was in a safe distance. Lewis Hamilton was a bit more dangerous, as he even had a look around the outside of Daniel Ricciardo. This is even more dangerous because it put him directly into the path of the marshal. If he had made contact with the Red Bull or had lost control of his car in any way, the marshal would have been hit.
Of course, neither of the drivers were expecting a marshal to be on the track, but they had received adequate notice, via the yellow flags, and they surely should have given the marshal enough safe space. Formula One is a sport with a very small margin for error and anything can happen. The last thing that the sport needs if for someone to lose their life.
Lets hope that this situation never happens again and that we have many more safe races in the future.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer or company. Assumptions made in any analysis contained within this article are not reflective of the position of any entity other than the author.
