F1 Drivers are subject to a new ‘bike ban’ policy which denies them the track walks on two wheels. Ferrari star Charles Leclerc who is often seen around the track on his bike was left dismayed by this new guideline.
Track walks have been a part of the F1 Grand Prix weekends for quite some time now. Ahead of the race day, the drivers along with their engineers take a lap of the track to discuss the challenges of the upcoming race.
While the name of this period suggests that it is supposed to be a ‘walk’, some drivers prefer to examine the track on wheels. Leclerc is one of the drivers who prefer to go around the track on his bike.
Speaking to the media about the new policy, the Monegasque said that he doesn’t walk the track. He gave his fans even more bad news when he clarified that following the new guideline “you won’t see me around the track anymore. I’ll just watch the videos.
Also Read: Charles Leclerc Rips Up False Ferrari Narrative After Nightmare Start to F1 Season
Why did they impose ‘bike bans’?
A letter declaring the new policy was issued to the teams by the FOM. It revealed that with the increase in electric bikes and scooters, the track was getting more hectic during the walk.
The letter was issued to the teams during the Bahrain GP. The FOM is the even organiser body which is responsible for the track during a championship season.
The FOM clearly noted in their letter that “no exceptions will be made” and “any means of transport (bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, e-scooters, etc) is forbidden.” Furthermore, the letter read “this decision has been agreed upon with the FIA.”
However, it remains to be seen what punishment would be slapped on those who disobey the new rule.
F1 fans react to ‘bike ban’
Ever since the announcement of this new guideline, F1 fans are also heavily criticising the FIA.
Just saying that sometimes drivers gave autographs during their track walks, even when they were on a bicycle. Fans losing out with this new policy.
— tami. (@Vetteleclerc) March 17, 2023
Rather, @F1 needs new measures to limit fans from entering the track, when F1 drivers are exploring the track. Because with drivers not allowed to go on wheeled vehicles, you will have even more regular occurrences like this (Sainz last year #MexicoGP) /1 https://t.co/Ko71rpbrLW
— Azzuri Viva (@azzuri_viva) March 17, 2023
Charles: “I didn’t walk around. And as I think they’ve just issued a new thing where we cannot go around the track with a bicycle you probably won’t see me around the track anymore, and I’ll just watch the videos!” https://t.co/NFHl6rFdx4
— tami. (@Vetteleclerc) March 17, 2023
Also Read: Charles Leclerc Addresses Rumors of Negativity Within Ferrari Team After Dismal Start to 2023
