2018 Restarts Fears

[Robem64]

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134822/fia-dismisses-f1-restart-carnage-fears

[lkjohnson1950]

Isn't there always a first turn accident that takes out 1 or more cars, sometimes with serious consequences? Why risk that happening 2 or 3 times in a race? The FIA always dismisses driver concerns; then the drivers are usually proven right and the FIA has to walk it back.

[Calman]

This is a tough one really!!

Personally, I can see both sides of it.   As you mention above, from a safety aspect, it's not too clever and could really destroy an entire race (should a second incident occur after a standing re-start).   From a spectator's viewpoint, a standing start offers far more drama and possibilities for overtakes, than simply following a safety car until they get the green light (where maybe 1-2 passes at the front is the maximum opportunity with this format).

Maybe if the system was split for wet & dry conditions, it "could" work, but I am thinking aloud as I type here, so a tough call in all honesty!

All the best,
Cal

[cosworth151]

There's an old saying in racing that "cautions breed cautions." Any restarts bunch up the field and lead to more shunts. This would seem to carry that to the next level.

Like Cal, I can see both sides. Any more, the start is one of the most exciting parts of a race. Before long, one or two cars just drive off into the distance.

[Calman]

Let's face it, if Stroll & Vettel can collide during the cool down lap, re-start fears are justified! :-D

All the best,
Cal

[John S]

Seems to me that if drivers cannot be bothered to understand the procedures from their own teams at a red flag stoppage then we can't trust their opinion.

I reckon Grosjean is more concerned about about his own alto ego "Wrecker Roman" making a comeback. After all he's been responsible for a big percentage of first lap damages over the years.

I guess it has a couple of good points, 1. Should make for a more entertaining restart. 2. Be a good reward for fans at the track who have to put up with the boredom of a red flag lay up.
The downside for me is it could play havoc with our Grid Game picks. 

[guest3164]

It seems a more natural way of adding excitement to a race than something like DRS so I am all for it.  More starts and more incidents can only be a good thing. 

[Scott]

I think any SC restarts should be standing starts on the grid as well (not just red flags).  The SC  rolling restarts are boring at the front because the lead driver gets to dictate the restart pace.  Either that or just simply force them to bunch up once the SC has left the track (maybe give a max speed until they are all together) and then hit the green light randomly and watch who is ready to go.

As for the driver concerns, too bad.  They are paid to take their car as quickly and as safely to the end of the race as humanly possible, so they should just get on with their jobs. 

[lkjohnson1950]

On a related note, the start lights at OZ had to be repositioned because the drivers were unable to see them due to the "Halo".   

[Scott]

On a related note, the start lights at OZ had to be repositioned because the drivers were unable to see them due to the "Halo".   

Growing pains...hilarious.  Probably the best place is two sets of vertical lights on each side of the track.

[guest3164]

May as well stream the light sequence to the central pillar of the Halo.  Seems about as sensible an idea as F1 has had recently.