Monaco Grand Prix – Despite the barriers, 27 timed laps canceled by the FIA this Thursday
During the second free practice session this Thursday in Monaco, 27 lap times were deleted for not respecting track limits despite it being a street circuit.
The issue of track limits has been a hot topic in recent weeks in F1, notably with the creation of a working group by the FIA specifically dedicated to this issue. This matter was not expected to be a problem this weekend, as Monaco is extremely narrow being a street circuit. However, 27 lap times were deleted on Thursday for not respecting the track limits at turn 10 (chicane at the exit of the tunnel).
The majority of the track is bordered by rails, making any deviation impossible, as evidenced by Yuki Tsunoda and Mick Schumacher who hit the rails on Thursday. The drivers once again demonstrate that they are looking for any possible weaknesses in order to gain a few tenths. This turn is therefore under the highest surveillance of the FIA.
« A lap time achieved during a practice session or race by leaving the track and omitting to take turn 10 will result in the invalidation of this lap time by the sports officials. On the second occasion that a driver fails to negotiate turn 10 during the race, a black and white flag will be presented, any further cutting of the turn will then be reported to the sports officials, explains the FIA.
Therefore, we noticed this Thursday that the FIA is going to be very strict regarding the track limits for this corner, which is too often cut, as evidenced by the 27 deleted lap times. To mention the two drivers who respected this corner the least during the FP2, we find the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, who had 5 laps deleted, as well as Sergio Perez with 4 deleted lap times.
