Sebastian Vettel finally found his way to a podium for the first time this season. Lewis Hamilton secured his 7th-world title, finishing P1. As Sergio Perez also clinched his first podium of the season finishing at P2.
Ferrari had another underwhelming qualifying session during the Turkish GP. Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc were knocked out of Q2. Ferrari were expecting a tough race on Sunday. However, the duo finished the race at P3 and P4, respectively.
During Qualifying, there was an incident with Nicholas Latifi’s Williams during Q1. However, the Q2 session began with the crane still in front of the barriers. This was a very dangerous situation considering the slippery conditions and just a double waved yellow flag protection.
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The race director’s call disappointed Sebastian Vettel. The German believed it was a big mistake. He said, “I think we are all humans, and mistakes happen. But this mistake has a zero tolerance.
“I think we’re all well aware and I’m very confident that it will not happen in the future again. But we will for sure talk about this and disclose the reasons why.”
READ MORE- Here’s What Sebastian Vettel Told Lewis Hamilton After The Turkish GP
The race director explained his call
Michael Masi, the Race Director, explained his decision afterward. He stated that the clerk had assured him that by the time cars got there, the crane would clear. He said, “It was quite close to the barrier opening, and the crane was on its way.
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“We were given assurances that it would be well and truly clear. And looking at everything, I was more than comfortable with the local assurances on that basis.
“With the benefit of hindsight, you would do something different. But based on it all, and the available information at the time, that was the call that we made,” he further added.
Masi explained that he was comfortable with the decision with the information available at the moment. However, the Director of Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, Sebastian Vettel, was unpressed at the decision.
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Formula 1 has been very mindful about cranes on the circuit since the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. Jules Bianchi died from an unfortunate accident as he sustained serious injuries after a collision with a recovery vehicle.
Formula 1 cars travel at top speeds; therefore, it is important to maintain the utmost safety for the drivers. The FIA will surely be mindful of the situation and ensure that such a scenario does not present itself again.