On the penultimate lap of the Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix, tragedy was narrowly averted when photographers and marshals found themselves in front of Esteban Ocon’s car as it pitted.
The scene was captured in particular by the camera installed on board the Alpine and we can clearly see how the French pilot suddenly applies the brakes to avoid the forty people who had crowded his way near the closed park.
Here the photographers and cameramen rush to the top three cars to capture pictures. However, the race was not over when Ocon made his late stop [et obligatoire] put new tires on his car.
Just a few weeks ago, spectators packed the track in Australia before the checkered flag was waved.
Photo Giuseppe CACACE / AFP
Esteban Ocon at the wheel of his Alpine team car on Saturday.
An FIA investigation
The marshals of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) are responsible for safety in the pit area. It is clear that they acted negligently, so an investigation is being carried out to shed light on what could have been a tragic ending.
“I don’t understand why the preparations for the podium are started when the race is not over yet,” Ocon said on the microphone of British broadcaster Sky Sports.
“Everyone knew that the drivers had to stop at least once before the end of the Grand Prix, as required by the regulations. I arrive at very high speed, brake very late and see people and obstacles in front of me. It could have been very serious today,” he added.
Ocon is fortunate to have avoided real carnage.
“Yeah, we were pretty close,” he said. I had to slow down and I wouldn’t have liked to get to those who were in the middle. If I miss my brake, it’s a disaster. »
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Points for Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso failed to make it onto the podium for the fourth consecutive year, but he came close as his Aston Martin finished fourth less than a second behind Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari.
Up front, the two Red Bulls Sergio Pérez and Max Verstappen have never been threatened. They orchestrated the Austrian team’s 25th double in Formula 1.
“I’m happy with my race knowing we had a difficult weekend. The good news is that you never give up in the race,” said Alonso.
The Spaniard’s teammate, Montreal’s Lance Stroll, was content with seventh place after a slight collision with the wall.
“It is important to have collected valuable points and to keep second place in the constructors’ championship. »