Hakkinen concerned by Suzuka situation: 'Driver can easily get distracted'

The tractor incident at the Suzuka Circuit caused a lot of controversy. Since Jules Bianchi's tragic accident at the same circuit, the FIA has worked hard to make Formula 1 even safer, yet a similar situation to the one in 2014 occurred. Worrying, thinks two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen.

Safety above all

"Safety is the most important thing for everyone in Formula 1. This means for the drivers, teams, marshals and spectators," Hakkinen began in his column for Unibet. He stresses that the FIA has worked hard with F1 to improve safety since Bianchi's accident.

"What happened on Sunday is a concern because it was clear that Pierre got a big shock when he saw a truck on the circuit," the former F1 driver continued. He is therefore pleased to see the FIA launching an investigation into how this could have happened. "It is easy for a driver to for a driver to be distracted, not see a signal or not realise what is happening, particularly in conditions of poor visibility."

Hakkinen therefore insists that a system must be put in place to ensure that everyone knows what is going on, so that no one has to be surprised by a situation like Pierre Gasly 's. "Everyone is determined to keep this sport as safe as possible, and every incident gives us an opportunity to learn, improve and avoid a repeat," Hakkinen concluded.