F1 takes steps to avoid another Lewis/Kimi incident

F1 is prepared to have a new safety car system in place for the next GP, at Magny-Cours on 22 June.

When the safety car is deployed, the drivers will receive a message by race control and will then activate a speed limiter on their cars. A trial of the new system will be held before the race.

The new system aims to solve the growing problem of teams sending their drivers into the pits as soon as a safety car is called, by forcing them to initiate a “safety car programme”, pre-programmed in their engine control units (ECUs).

If this new rule stops the pit lane being closed during a safety car period, so much the better.

Sadly, the safety car is fast becoming an integral part of modern grands prix, especially because its deployment can ruin affect team strategy. ITV’s coverage of Montreal even featured some in-car footage of the drivers in the safety car - no one wants to see that, do they?

[Source: F1 Fanatic]