Nico Rosberg, 2016 Formula 1 world champion, has proposed a significant change to the rules concerning the virtual safety car (VSC) after the controversy surrounding the Spanish Grand Prix. In this event, McLaren driver Lando Norris lost a likely victory due to a poorly timed VSC.
During the race, Norris had started from pole and had gained a significant advantage over his rivals, including Mercedes’s Kimi Antonelli. However, when a VSC was activated to remove Lance Stroll‘s car, Norris found himself unable to pit and lost his opportunity for an economical pitstop, which the other drivers took advantage of.
Ultimately, Norris finished third, behind Antonelli and Max Verstappen from Red Bull. In the discussion on Sky Sports, Rosberg expressed that it would be appropriate to modify the rules to avoid unfavorable situations like the one experienced by the British driver.
Rosberg commented that ‘it’s not fair’, as drivers always face uncertainty caused by luck related to VSC appearances. He emphasized that it is crucial to seek solutions to make the system more equitable, an opinion that arises particularly during times when team leaders suffer due to strategic decisions.
Among the proposals, Rosberg suggested closing the pitlane during VSC phases or drastically reducing the speed limit to minimize the advantages that drivers can gain by pitting. ‘If it could be guaranteed that the lost time in a pitstop during a VSC is similar to what would be lost without it, more fairness and justice could be achieved’, he added.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
SourceID: SRC_2182432906b62e8836cec51769f13ce37fff7f9f