Antonio Giovinazzi Crash: Michael Masi confirmed an investigation regarding the Antonio Giovinazzi crash, which also ended George Russel’s race in the process.
The rear-left wheel of Antonio Giovinazzi’s separated from the Alfa Romeo C39, making him crash right on to the barriers. The incoming car of Williams’ George Russell received a rude shock as the tyre hit his car, ending his race too. It was a pretty unusual accident in F1, and Race Director Michael Masi has echoed the same. He also confirmed an investigation is on based on the pictures and footage.
“Yes it is a concern. Why it became detached I am not 100 per cent sure, but immediately once the car came back to the drop-off area, our technical teams had already started their investigation, taking a number of photos and we’ve got all the available footage. The technical department, together with the safety department, will investigate why.”
That was scary. Thank goodness both Antonio Giovinazzi and George Russell are ok.#BelgianGP 🇧🇪 #F1pic.twitter.com/GGe9fQBWCd
— Planet F1 (@Planet_F1) August 30, 2020
Should Masi have red flagged the race after the accident?
Because of the intensity of the crash, it seemed obvious that a red flag would be signaled. But instead, Masi called for a Safety Car, as the marshals worked hard and cleared the debris off the track. There were no incidents reported from that area thereafter, vindicating Masi’s decision. He also complimented the marshals for doing a terrific clean-up job.
“It wasn’t necessary to have a red flag. A red flag is one of many tools available to the race director, as is the safety car and a virtual safety car.”
Also read: Bernd Maylander: All you need to know about the Formula 1 safety car driver
“The marshals did a great job clearing a path through in the first instance quite quickly, and that was the number of cars that were in front of the safety car, and once the safety car line went through there was a very clear path through there. In my view, a red flag was not necessary.”
Before you go: F1 Marshalls : How to become a Formula 1 Marshall, what are the roles available?
