FIA calls for new safety measures
A few weeks after the accident involving the young British driver Billy Monger, the official motorsport authorities reacted by promulgating new expectations in terms of safety.
The recent and dramatic accident of young Billy Monger in British F4 had a significant impact in the world of motorsport due to the severity of the crash experienced by the driver. The accident, filmed and broadcasted, took place at Donington Park on April 16th. Doctors could not save the legs of the JHR Developments driver, who had to have them amputated.
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has obviously taken this event as an opportunity to learn all necessary lessons for the safety of all motorsport disciplines, including Formula 1. The head of safety at the FIA, Laurent Mekies, has written to the heads of all teams involved in F1 to inform them of upcoming changes to be made to the lifting points from which mechanics can raise the rear end of the cars, particularly during pit stops after a stint.
The international body states: « Considering the strength, shape, and position of the jack points, they can become one of the first points of contact in a crash with another car and alter the crash absorption capabilities of the structure of that other car. The use of aggressive designs will not be tolerated from the Monaco Grand Prix ».
The spokesperson for the FIA confirmed having written to the teams, without providing further details, thus referring them to the technical briefing meeting to be held on Friday in the Principality. The Monaco circuit, although being the slowest in the F1 world championship, presents a certain level of accident risk due to its numerous turns that can sometimes hide stationary cars on the track.
The tragedy of Billy Monger has therefore led to new advancements in safety measures in motor sports.
