There has been another pit stop failure, as McLaren released Stoffel Vandoorne with a loose wheel during free practice two in China. The incident reinforces the need for the FIA to investigate the pit stops on safety grounds.
McLaren were conducting a practice pitstop in the closing minutes of the second practice session of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend. There was an issue with the right rear tyre, meaning that it was not properly attached.
The incident is just the latest of many similar incidents that have occurred already this season. The most notable incident was from the Bahrain Grand Prix, with a pit stop error that left a Ferrari mechanic in hospital with a broken leg.
As was the case with Ferrari’s first unsafe release from the pit lane during practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix, the FIA have opted to fine McLaren €5,000 for the mistake. Although the rulebook does allow the FIA to hand out a grid penalty for unsafe releases, it doesn’t happen that often since no one wants to see the driver punished for a team mistake.
The Formula One pitstops, specifically the wheel guns, are on a list of two things that the FIA wants to investigate, along with the structural integrity of the aerodynamic bodywork on the cars.
