2023-04-30 14:02:03
This scene could have ended really dangerously!
Shortly before the end of the race in Baku, Esteban Ocon (26) drove into the pit lane in his Alpine. He’s scheduled to make one more stop. But by this point, preparations for the podium ceremony are already underway – and a number of photographers and other people working in the pit lane are in the pit lane entrance – and in the way!
When the French roared towards him, the photographers jumped to the side in panic and were just able to save themselves. It can also be seen how employees are about to close the pit lane with a barrier tape. This scene could have ended really badly.
Not only for the Ocon stop, which is still mandatory according to the regulations, but also for a driver who may have to park his car, the entrance should actually have remained free for safety reasons. Usually there are security personnel at the race track and especially in the pit lane who are supposed to prevent such dangerous scenes.
The world association FIA announced after the race that they were investigating the incident. A little later, the bizarre message: The responsible FIA representative will be summoned by the FIA itself.
Lots going on in the pit lane while the race is still going on. Ocon is already approaching behind
In the “post-race procedure” published by the association before the race, the area directly in the pit lane is actually intended for the photographers. There is also a waiting area at the level of the garages, i.e. further away from the pit lane entrance. Space is limited, especially on city circuits like in Azerbaijan. Often pilots also have a pedestal to stand on.
The on-board recordings of Ocon’s cars make it clear that it was really quite close. At British Sky, the Frenchman says: “It could have ended quite dangerously.” He explains that he didn’t know anything about the crowd in the pit lane: “They were just behind the line, I had to brake to avoid it.”
It’s good that he reacted quickly and that this scene ended lightly.
1682863960
#Formula #fright #scene #pit #lane #photographers #save #Sports