“That is a total and utter shambles of organization,” said David Croft in the commentary as he witnessed the disaster about to happen during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The FIA has already earned a poor reputation for its inconsistent rulings in the past. But this time it is because of their end-of-race procedures, which could’ve led to a cosmic accident. 

Anyone paying attention to the race would’ve known that there’s a guaranteed pit stop with Esteban Ocon in the penultimate lap. The Alpine driver didn’t make the mandatory tire change, hoping for a safety car or red flag. Because he was running in ninth place, and didn’t want to lose his position. But he entered the pit lane in the 51st Lap. As he entered, he saw a group of people blocking his way and had to make a great effort to avoid an accident.

Esteban Ocon gives his take on the ‘scary’ incident

In the shocking scene, the photographers and FIA officials started gathering at the start of the pit while the race was still going on. According to Motorsports.com, speaking after the race, Ocon said about the ‘scary’ incident: “This is not something we want to see. I don’t understand why they started preparing the podium while the race was going on. There was still one lap and there were still people who weren’t pitting. I think Nico [Hulkenberg, Haas] hadn’t pitted yet either.”

Onboard pictures from Ocon’s car reveal just how close the Frenchman came to colliding with the photographers. “I’m coming in at 300km/h, then I saw the people around me and I really braked at the last moment. It’s crazy, if I had missed the braking point, today could have been a huge accident. It’s definitely something that needs to be discussed. You have to wait until all the cars have passed the chequered flag and make sure that no one will be in the pit lane until we start preparing the podium. It’s not a difficult thing, it’s very simple.” said Ocon. 

Read More: Lion Hearted Esteban Ocon Shares Astonishing Details About Life-Threatening Experience

Fortunately, no one was hurt by the incident. But the eye-opening experience encouraged the FIA to act quickly to ensure the situation does not occur again.

FIA slammed after the terrifying end to the Azerbaijan GP 

It was not unusual for the FIA representatives to allow media personnel and officials into the pit lane just before the end of the race. That’s what happens in the usual course of preparation for parc ferme and the podium ceremony. However, in this case, Esteban Ocon had to pit in the last lap, and it created a very dangerous situation. 

Although there were no serious consequences, many called out the FIA and demanded to review end-of-race procedures. Addressing the incident, Christian Horner told Sky Sports: “That is something that needs a review because Esteban is within his rights to pit on the last lap and finish the race in the pit lane if he wanted to. That is something the FIA needs to police a bit better before the end of the race.”

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The governing body expressed its “regret” at what happened and assured immediate investigation. They will make the required changes to end-race procedures before the Miami GP on May 7.

How do you think an incident like this can be avoided in the future?