Formula 1 teams will not be allowed to use resources to create more grip on the wet starting grid. The FIA has announced this just over an hour before the Turkish Grand Prix.
During the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2020, Alexander Albon and Red Bull Racing were investigated because of a suspicion of drying out the asphalt at the starting point with the help of some kind of leaf blowers. In the end, there was no penalty because the stewards judged that this was not the case, but the FIA took the precaution of informing all teams that such cleverness is not allowed.
"Each competitor is reminded that they are not permitted to use any means to artificially dry the track, including but not limited to grid boxes e.g: blowers, tyre blankets, etc...", said the race management in a statement.
It will therefore slip and slide at the start. The first few metres will be very decisive for the drivers for the rest of the afternoon.