The drama never ends in F1 as another controversial decision from the Italian GP comes under scrutiny. The FIA has been under fire for being inconsistent with their decisions ever since last year’s fiasco at the Abu Dhabi GP. Now Max Verstappen has won his first ever Italian GP, in a somewhat similar fashion, behind a safety car, and the Tifosi are not happy.
Many fans believe that there should have been a red flag after Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren stopped on the pit straight. Recovery vehicles were deployed on the track, and the drivers followed the safety car. Moreover, many fans were furious as they believed a red flag should have been shown.
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They also felt that the safety of the drivers was compromised in the race. Furthermore, fans compared the situation to the tragic incident which occurred in Suzuka in 2014. Jules Bianchi passed away due to the injuries he picked up after his crash with one of the recovery vehicles on the track.
The decision certainly raised some eyebrows. Especially after knowing that a red flag had been deployed in the F2 race earlier in the day for a similar incident.
READ MORE: Revisiting Abu Dhabi Wounds, Lewis Hamilton Provides Simple Solution to Safety Car Debacle
F1 fans on Twitter were having none of it and made their feelings known on Social Media. Moreover, they questioned the FIA regarding their decision to end the race under the safety car.
F1 Twitter furious after FIA’s controversial decision in the Italian GP
Twitter went berserk after FIA’s decision to continue the race under the safety car and not red flag it. Fans were astounded as to how FIA did not learn anything from the Japanese GP in 2014. They shared their angered opinions on Twitter.
This is the real issue with not red flagging the race. Not entertainment of the fans. There shouldn't be cars and recovery vehicles on the track at the same time under any circumstances
Learned nothing from Suzuka 2014 ? https://t.co/PeT1HzlkLH
— Y (@_Awayfrom_2_3_4) September 11, 2022
After Suzuka 2014 I thought we learned to never do this again… pic.twitter.com/a2BgqdN2bq
— Alice 💔 (@alice_nyoom) September 11, 2022
THIS‼️
we will never fucking learn will we, almost like suzuka 2014 never happened https://t.co/TXerQO0GBR— charlie ¹ MONZA🇮🇹 DRUGO DAY🇧🇷 (@rbrleclerc) September 11, 2022
FIA forgot that Suzuka 2014 happened huh
— vivi 🦦 #drugoday slay (@formulaschumi) September 11, 2022
im so mad at the fia rn, the crane was in THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE FUCKING CARS. just when i thought they’ve learned everything from Suzuka 2014. #ItalianGP
— fhee 🪩 #DankeSeb (@humbugxyloto) September 11, 2022
Furthermore, some fans expected the FIA to take the safety of their drivers more seriously. Additionally, they also want some consistency in their decision-making ability.
Putting aside the show and competition side of the things, are you lot sure a red flag wasn't necessary? In the slightest? Really? With the most respect, don't you remember something? Anybody?
(Hint: Suzuka 2014) pic.twitter.com/B1tJnsj0TW— Ita (@Ita_nighter) September 12, 2022
Didn't F2 red flag the race because they needed to bring out the recovery vehicle on track earlier that day? Why didn't they red flag this time? FIA being inconsistent again smh
— Chirag B (@Chirag05_B) September 12, 2022
for everyone saying that this wasn’t a red flag-worthy situation: this is dangerous and it doesn’t matter who benefits/loses in terms of the race, safety should always come first https://t.co/74fCqv1y2w
— juliana 🇵🇭 (@SCHUM47HER) September 11, 2022
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This need to be a bigger outrage. This is why we wanted a red flag. Nothing more nothing less then safety of the drivers. https://t.co/PFHkCQgDPp
— The Original Gavlaa (@TGavlaa) September 12, 2022
Amid all this, Verstappen won his 5th race in a row as he edges closer to his second World Championship in as many years. Surprisingly, it was also the Dutchman’s first time on the podium ever in Monza. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari finished second, whereas the final podium spot was won by George Russell.
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