Christian Menath
Head of Formula 1
He likes to sniff out print magazines, boasts about passing his steward exam, holds long monologues, was once good at Mario Kart – and loves F1 unconditionally.MORE
When the 19 cars were on the starting grid (Alexander Albon started from the pit lane), it took an unusually long time. Normally, starter Rebecca Lee activates the start procedure as soon as all cars are stationary. In this case, the drivers waited until the aborted start was finally communicated via the LCD screens and the starting lights.
Photographers stand in the danger zone at the sprint start
An FIA employee in the race control had spotted photographers approaching turn one. There is hardly any run-off area to the left of the track. The FIA employee informed race director Niels Wittich, who ultimately decided to abort the start. One formation lap later, the sprint could be allowed to continue because the marshals were able to quickly send the group of photographers away.
The FIA designates particularly dangerous areas as so-called “Red Zones”. Photographers are not allowed to stay there during the sessions. The area next to the braking zone of turn one on the Red Bull Ring is not actually one of these Red Zones. However, the FIA considered the risk in the starting phase to be too high at this point.
There will therefore be a middle ground for the race: During the first few laps, photographers will not be allowed to stay at the relevant location, but as the race progresses, they will be allowed to take photos there.
© Motorsport Magazine