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Why were so many caught out for pit-lane speeding at Monaco? F1 Q&A

Why were so many caught out for pit-lane speeding at Monaco? F1 Q&A

Summary

Five Formula 1 drivers were penalized for going slightly faster than the pit-lane speed limit during the Monaco Grand Prix. The penalties happened because of the way the pit-lane speed is measured using timing loops and the drivers’ paths through the pit lane. The drivers and teams say they did not intend to break the speed limit.

Key Facts

  • Five drivers were penalized for exceeding the 60 km/h speed limit in the Monaco pit lane.
  • The drivers were Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), George Russell (Mercedes), Oscar Piastri (McLaren), Pierre Gasly, and Franco Colapinto (both Alpine).
  • All five went just 0.1 km/h over the limit, except Gasly who went up to 0.4 km/h over once.
  • Pit-lane speed is measured by timing loops and on-car transponders, not by a speed gun. Speed is calculated by dividing distance by time.
  • Drivers cut across white lines at pit-lane entry and exit, which may have shortened the measured distance and caused the penalties.
  • Mercedes advised drivers to go wide to avoid speeding penalties, but Russell still received one.
  • Teams and the race body FIA discussed the issue all weekend, but drivers insisted they did not actually speed.
  • Alpine requested a "right of review," which is an appeal process used when normal appeals are not allowed for penalties like pit-lane speeding.
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