The image did not escape anyone: during the formation lap of the 2022 Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix, the drivers crossed… a cloud of smoke coming from the stands. A potential problem?
As since 2014, Formula 1 went to the Red Bull Ring under the Austrian Grand Prix. An event marked by enthusiasm fans of the Austrian brand and of Max Verstappen.
A large number of Dutch were present, especially in the gallery lying under the bull statue. At the time of formation tower, this is where orange colored smoke canisters have burst.
If on board camera, one could think that this would get in the way the pilots, it is not so. The main concerned are moreover not not against this practice.
A unanimous opinion!
At the post-race press conference, the first three were invited to discuss the subject of smoke bombs. Verstappen did not miss of humor Speaking of this practice:
“No from my point of view, it was nice! And then, they are good colors so it did not bother me to go through.
On the other hand, I saw a smoke bomb which had been thrown on the track or in the grass. That’s the one thing viewers shouldn’t do.
As long as it stays in the stands, there is no problem. With the wind blowing, the smoke doesn’t stay so that’s not a problem.”
An opinion share by the winner, Charles Leclerc: “There were a lot during the formation lap but it was nothing serious. We could still see so it was fine, I don’t have a problem with that.”
Lewis Hamilton more measured
It’s a Lewis Hamilton a bit more measured than his comrades who spoke before the journalists. If the smoke bombs didn’t bother him, the Briton would like this phenomenon is only done when the race is completed.
“Concretely, the smoke bombs do not bother me. Still, on the formation lap, we couldn’t see the turn 7 rope.
At the end of the race, it was at turn 6 that the visibility was very low. I have nothing against smoke bombs but maybe the spectators should wait until the race is over.
On top of that, I’m not sure it’s a good thing for the environment.”
A practice that does not date from today
It’s not the first time that the subject of smoke bombs is discussed in the F1 paddock. In 2021, it was Mick Schumacher (Haas) who warned of the dangers of smoke bombs in the stands before the Dutch Grand Prix.
“Everyone is looking forward to Zandvoort. There will be great support for Max Verstappen. I just hope there won’t be too many smoke bombs. At Spa, it came on the track. It smells very bad and the smell stays in the cockpit for a long time. Please use as little as possible guys.”
The orange tide is rising again back in Belgium but also in Zandvoort after the summer break.
Smoke bombs on the track while pilots are still driving, are we talking about it?#F1 #BrazilGP https://t.co/Cqd61uvf3c
—Emmanuel Touzot (@EmmanuelTouzot) November 15, 2021
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