Turn 1 Mexico GP incidents 'being discussed' between teams and the FIA

17:19, 28 Oct

Updated: 17:23, 28 Oct

byOlly Darcy

Aston Martin's Chief Trackside Officer, Mike Krack, has stated that first-lap incidents are "being discussed" by the FIA and teams on the grid.

"I think FIA, when it is such a difficult thing, it's probably better not to get the wrong one. This is being discussed."

- Mike Krack

It comes after a chaotic race start at the Mexico City Grand Prix saw both Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen cut across the grass at the first corner at the front of the grid, while some more evasive action occurred in the midfield too.

Afterwards, an irate George Russell branded the Grand Prix as a 'lawnmower race', while Lewis Hamilton, who received a ten-second time penalty for an incident a lap later, said it was 'pretty nuts' that only he was penalised throughout the 71-lap race.

"Lap one, I had the feeling that everybody just does what they want, and you get away with it, and I think you will share that view now," was what Krack had to say on the chaotic start at turn 1.

Max verstappen and Charles Leclerc after the Mexico City Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

"It is also not easy to know what the origin is, who is responsible in turn 1, it's always difficult. What is the racing incident? Who is at fault? Who is to blame? It's difficult.

"I think FIA, when it is such a difficult thing, it's probably better not to get the wrong one. This is being discussed, how do we handle Turn 1. I think it's also not the same on every circuit. I think [in Mexico], we have a tradition now that lap one is a bit of carnage everywhere.

"I think there were some penalties. I think Lewis got a penalty at turn four or five. I think the FIA will also review, critically, how it went."

Alonso unhappy after turn 1 chaos

It wasn't just Russell and Hamilton who had their say on what happened at turn 1, questioning the decisions that were made by the FIA and race control in Mexico City.

The Spaniard also said he would take the decisions made by the FIA on board, saying that he will "try to take advantage of the next time there is a similar situation".

"Fernando was very upset about how this panned out," continued Krack.

Fernando Alonso at the Mexico City Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

"If you look at the onboard, he had already passed, and then cars came back in front of him, so I can understand his anger."

Alonso was unable to finish the Grand Prix in Mexico, with brake issues forcing the 43-year-old to retire early from the race.

That retirement, along with Oliver Bearman's fantastic P4 finish, saw Haas significantly cut the gap between the two teams in the drivers' standings with just four races remaining in 2025.

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