Japanese GP, the second that ended under the timer this year, was marred by heavy rain. But that didn’t stop the race to take a dramatic turn. In the very first lap of the race, there were a couple of controversial moments.
Carlos Sainz spun in the first lap and crashed with the barriers. The stewards then entered the track with a tractor, even before the cars came into the pits. The incident brought back the sad memory of Jules Bianchi, who crashed in the same race 8 years ago under similar circumstances and eventually lost his life.
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The video seen from Pierre Gasly’s dashcam was a shocking sight to witness. However, the severity of the incident is more clear now as different footage has come out. The sight of the tractor infuriated Pierre Gasly, who claimed that it could have killed him. Many other drivers also shared the same feeling.
The race started under a rolling start behind the safety car. Max Verstappen cruised to his 12th victory of the season. The Dutchman also won his second World Championship in the process. Red Bull completed the 1-2 after Charles Leclerc was handed a 5-second penalty and Sergio Perez was awarded the 2nd position.
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Despite all the bright shining moments, F1 Twitter wasn’t going to let FIA’s incompetence go unnoticed. Additionally, they asked numerous questions about the governing body’s decision on how such a blunder occurred in the first place.
F1 Twitter blasts FIA and raises driver’s safety concern
In a horrific incident, Twitter users questioned FIA’s decision and the safety of the drivers after the first lap incident. Moreover, Sergio Perez, Pierre Gasly, and many other drivers also spoke up about the same.
F1 Twitter shared their opinions on the social media platform.
Bro this angle is even worse… how did the FIA let this happen #Gasly #SuzukaGP pic.twitter.com/VjRse2JrJI
— reaction memes @VideoReacts (@VideoReacts) October 9, 2022
There was A PERSON??? pic.twitter.com/uZxXCaobl4
— Jo 🦡 (@itsIightsout) October 9, 2022
FIA:
– Truck on the track : yeah It's Gasly's fault
– Marshalls on the tre track: yeah we've put the red Flag
– Perez and Leclerc : oh come on it was obvious Leclerc deserved a penalty #Formula1 #FIA https://t.co/ZSp7T5RnXp pic.twitter.com/W8FLVnq7BR— Lamine ラミン⭐🌋 (@lamine_mrr) October 9, 2022
Even if they’d been going 30mph, there was a fucking marshal on the track! So lucky there wasn’t a horrendous incident today. https://t.co/H5OU65kMJS
— Dirtyfrog (@dirtyfrog) October 9, 2022
Additionally, some people couldn’t believe there was a marshall on the track.
Oh my lord. How did race control allow this to happen? 🤬
We said this in a recent race too.
No recovery vehicles should be on track when the cars are still out there. Protect the drivers. Protect the Marshalls. https://t.co/TrVwAzX6hN— Sarah Merritt (@Sareyware) October 9, 2022
the fact they didn’t show this on stream and no one is talking about this?? they’re trying to sweep this under the rug while blaming Pierre THIS IS INSANE https://t.co/6EGKa4JadD
— carolina (@itslegasly) October 9, 2022
jules bianchi truly is watching over every driver because the fia doesn’t give a shit about their safety
— ؘ (@landoscharles) October 9, 2022
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*FIA makes a Mistake*
Also FIA: pic.twitter.com/ExcG5UThhr
— Karan (@Karan8263) October 9, 2022
Furthermore, Pierre Gasly was given a 20-second time penalty and two penalty points on his FIA superlicence for speeding under red flags.
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Fans and professionals around the world could not believe the shocking instance that took place in the first lap of the Japanese GP. Fans were quick to address their disappointment and shock at the sight of a crane on the racetrack. The FIA has probed a further investigation into the matter.