McLaren boss Brown argues F1 driver is asking for red flag qualifying penalties

The question came to the fore again after Sergio Perez’s crash in Monaco in Q3 became a topic of conversation following Max Verstappen’s refusal to give his teammate a place in the Brazilian Grand Prix after being asked to do so by Red Bull.

Sainz, whose Ferrari was damaged when he hit Perez’s Red Bull in Monaco, said on Thursday drivers want to see penalties for those who spoil their rivals’ latest races by ending sessions prematurely.

Brown raised the matter at the F1 Commission meeting in Abu Dhabi, who agreed it should be discussed within the FIA ​​Sporting Advisory Committee, the body that helps frame the regulations.

“I think what Carlos said, I think it should be red flags or yellow flags, to effectively prevent a driver from completing his lap,” he said when asked about it. by Motorsport.com.

“They do that in other forms of motorsport, penalties, you just lose your fastest lap in that session, and all the drivers tend to lap, which would penalize the driver if it was intentional or No. Because you messed up someone else’s tricks.

“I think it’s an easy solution, it can be implemented immediately. You force a driver to back up, you lose your turn, you drive off again and maybe you won’t stand a chance.

“Maybe you will or you’ll have to use another set of tyres. I think that’s the easiest way to solve the problem.”

Other team leaders agreed that the topic merited consideration.

“I also agree with Zak that it’s a good idea,” said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

“I think there is in Formula E, if I’m not mistaken, that your fastest lap is removed. So that’s something we can implement.

However, Aston Martin’s Mike Krack suggested it would be difficult to police, adding: ‘I don’t have a black and white opinion on this.

“I think we really need to look on a case-by-case basis, go to sporting advice and maybe take a look at the last 10 years where we’ve had situations because it’s pretty quick to pre-convict someone. ‘a, when it wasn’t good.

“I think it would be easy to say yes, it has to be like this, but I think it will be difficult to do it.”