FIA deletes all laptimes in Mexico during double yellow flag

After a successful test in the USA, the FIA will also use the system in Mexico whereby drivers' lap times are automatically deleted when they drive through a sector with a double yellow flag. This is to avoid any controversy.

Times at double yellow flag deleted

The idea for the system was born when Fernando Alonso escaped a penalty in Turkey for not reducing speed enough during a double yellow flag situation. In Austin, a system was tested that automatically cancels out lap times during free practice and qualifying when a driver drives through a sector where a double yellow flag is in effect.

The test proved successful. "It certainly worked the first time," said race director Michael Masi at Motorsport.com. "It only had to be applied once though, to Kimi Raikkonen during FP3 I think." The FIA will therefore continue with it again in Mexico. "All the drivers were in favour of it because everything is very clear now. There is now no need to discuss what is allowed or not allowed [under a double yellow flag situation]."

Similar to track limits system

Drivers have always had to reduce their speed significantly during double yellow flags, but often tried to minimise this. "In order to convince the stewards that a driver has complied with these requirements, it must be clear that he has not attempted to set a meaningful lap time. For practical purposes, each driver's lap time in a double yellow sector will be deleted." The system is similar to that used for track limit violations.