Ted Kravitz Explains FIA’s Lapse After Esteban Ocon Almost Hits Photographers in Pitlane

The FIA will be asked a lot of questions after the late incidents at the 2023 Azerbaijan GP. Esteban Ocon came in for his mandatory pitstop at the 50th lap of the race. However, as the Frenchman was coming in, FIA personnel were preparing to close the pitlane for the post-race celebrations.

A large number of photographers had congregated near the pitlane entrance. The Alpine driver narrowly avoided making contact with the personnel, which could have ended tragically.

Sky Sports commentators Ted Kravitz and David Croft were shocked to see the incident live. The presenters blamed the race organizers for the shambolic incident, who were later summoned by the stewards.

 

Ted Kravitz explains FIA’s mistake

Sky Sports presenter Ted Kravtiz explained how normal post-race activities take place on a race day. As the race nears the last lap, the pitlane is closed when it’s understood that there won’t be any further stops. However, in this race, Esteban Ocon was yet to take his mandatory pitstop.

Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg took their pitstop in the penultimate lap of the race. However, once the Haas driver left the pitlane, the organizers began preparing for parc ferme, forgetting the Frenchman was coming into the pitlane.

Kravitz said on Sky Sports, “What was unusual about today, is that everyone knew that there was going to be one last pitstop with Esteban Ocon.”

The photographers and media personnel are let in from an alternative entrance which was opened before Ocon came in. This was an error made by the race officials in charge, who were summoned after the race by the stewards.

Kravitz shared, “It was not the FIA and photographers who were in the wrong place. That’s why the FIA official in charge of the parc ferme procedures has been summoned by the stewards for investigation. So it’s the FIA investigation the FIA. There won’t be any fines involved.”

Major disaster averted says Esteban Ocon

Esteban Ocon breathed a sigh of relief after the race. The Frenchman managed to keep himself in control and braked early once he saw people in the pitlane. However, the Alpine driver claims they shouldn’t have been there in the first place.

He said in his post-race interview, “I don’t know they started to prep the podium, because we were still racing. There is all the time in the world to be doing so.” The Frenchman claims the FIA must look into this matter to avoid such incidents repeating in the future.

He added, “It could have been a big issue because I’m traveling at 300 Kmh and braking as late as I can. If I had missed my breaking point, it could have been a big problem.”

The Frenchman claims even his team wasn’t aware of people being present at the pitlane entrance. The driver wasn’t informed on his radio as he came inside the pitlane for his tire change.