Formula 1: Formula One has issued its new regulation, banning the use of bikes and any other transport system on the tracks. The drivers and team members can only walk around the tracks for their regular checks. Follow Formula 1 LIVE Updates with InsideSport.IN.
Saudi Arabia GP: FIA introduces Bike BAN, Total BAN on Bikes on drivers’ track walks, only WALKING allowed during track walk time – Check Out
Also Read Formula 1: F1 to ABANDON fossil-based products from 2026, assures to PREVENT expensive lab SPENDING on sustainable fuel – Check Out
Already known as the ‘bike ban’, the Formula One management sent official letters to the teams during the Bahrain Prix, stating the rule was now in the saddle.
The letter read, “To clarify and to avoid future misunderstanding, the use of any means of transport (bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, e-scooters, etc) is forbidden during the time window stated as ‘Team Track Walks’ on the Event Timetable. No exceptions will be allowed. This decision has been agreed with the FIA.”
The FIA announced this bizzare rule, ahead of the season’s next GP at Saudi Arabia. The rule was applied on every racing weekend immediately, making the teams question the grounds of such decision. However, neither FIA or FOM have given any particular motive for such a decision.
Saudi Arabia GP: FIA introduces Bike BAN, Total BAN on Bikes on drivers’ track walks, only WALKING allowed during track walk time – Check Out
Also Read Formula 1: F1 to ABANDON fossil-based products from 2026, assures to PREVENT expensive lab SPENDING on sustainable fuel – Check Out
Lewis Hamilton parts ways with his long-time trainer Angela Cullen
Wishing you all the best for your next journey, Angela 🙌
📸 x @LewisHamilton #SaudiArabianGP #F1 @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/rlBreieFKq
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 17, 2023
However, this isn’t very well perceived by the drivers. Track Walks are a strategic approach of deciding the car setups and possible tactics. Charles Leclerc clearly disapproved of his participation in track walks. Rather, he called it to be a “new thing” and stated that he will instead watch videos. On the other hand, Bahrain Prix winner and Red Bull’s big fish, Max Verstappen saw it from a different perspective.
“I have a few more minutes in bed and if I want to know the track, I’ll drive my out-lap a bit slower and look around,” said the Red Bull driver in a press conference on Thursday.
The recent years saw a leap in the use of bikes and scooters on the race tracks. Drivers and teams usually use the transports to check the track for bumps, potholes, retaining barriers, surface areas and anything that can impact their racing and performance. This ban has certainly become a turn off for the teams.