Qualifying Rule Change Implemented for Japanese Grand Prix After Singapore Scare

In response to a series of dangerous incidents and close calls during the Singapore Grand Prix qualifying session, Formula 1 officials have introduced a significant rule change for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.

Drivers were observed engaging in risky maneuvers, jockeying for position at the final corner to secure an advantageous starting position during qualifying in Singapore. These actions raised concerns about safety, with allegations of impeding, including an incident involving championship leader Max Verstappen that resulted in scrutiny by the stewards.

To address these issues, F1 Race Director Niels Wittich has implemented a time limit for all cars to travel between the two safety car lines on every lap during qualifying. This measure is aimed at preventing competitors from driving at excessively slow speeds, thereby obstructing each other’s laps.

Although this rule was introduced before the Italian Grand Prix earlier this month, it was not enforced during the Singapore race. Given that the Japanese Grand Prix circuit is known for its narrow layout, Wittich has advised drivers to strictly adhere to these regulations in the lead-up to qualifying.

In his pre-event race notes, distributed to all teams, Wittich emphasized, “For the safe and orderly conduct of the event, except in exceptional circumstances acknowledged as such by the stewards, any driver exceeding the maximum time from the second safety car line to the first safety car line on ANY lap during and after the conclusion of the qualifying session, including in-laps and out-laps, may be considered to be traveling at an unnecessarily slow pace.”