Formula E driver Jake Dennis has raised safety concerns over Formula 1 team members celebrating by hanging over the pit wall at the end of races.
For many years, members have taken to the pit wall as the chequered flag falls to cheer their driver across the line following a strong result.
The driver also often swerves towards the pit wall to drive past close to their team in a celebratory move.
However, it’s not only exclusive to F1, with the action also performed across a variety of motorsport categories throughout the world.
But Dennis has questioned the tradition, stating it puts those who are hanging over the pit wall in danger of being hit if they slip and fall onto the circuit.
“Things you love to see but this is sooo sketchy,” Dennis said on his Instagram story. “One slip from a mechanic and it’s not a pretty sight.
“Have a feeling it will only change is something bad were to happen.”
Dennis has had an association with F1 for a number of years, performing development and simulator duties with the Red Bull F1 team.
The Briton currently races for Andretti’s Formula E outfit, taking a podium finish at the season-opening race in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
I’ve always wondered about this too, and the way winning drivers slow and swerve, often while other cars are around and still racing behind. I know it’s a tradition, but as Dennis said, it will take something bad to happen for it to be changed.
Good point. https://youtu.be/gsWMiGrGWy0
Dennis needs to attend a Risk Assessment 101 & 102 course.
Yes he may have identified some, but not all, of the hazards.
He has not attempted to qualitatively or better quantitatively analysed the likelyhood of each Hazard.
Just a quick test, how many pitlane personnel have nearly fallen or actually slipped and injured themselves over the years?
How many cars have lost control?
What has been previously raised is the risk of car to car collisions, especially in a close finish. What did FIA do in considering that.
A more important area, where there have many accidents, is the pit stops, with concussions and broken limbs.
FIA have investigated the danger with teams, but have never produced even a summary of a suitable and sufficient risk assessment balancing the injury & equipent costs to actual historic risk to all competators.
If he’s complaining about it now. Go back and watch formula 1 in the 70s and 80s where you would regularly see the garage on the actual track. Or Colin Chapman throwing his cap in the air on the race track after the win. Or even the flag man being in the track to wave the chequerd flag.
I have been watching F1 for more than 35 years and I never recall seeing a mechanic fall from the pit wall. Are we looking for problems that haven’t happened?
We are living amongst the “Safe Generation” – it is not a pleasant experience.
i think Moto gp is way worse and who cares is part of the sport the FIA should let the winner of a grand prix celebrates with the fans is something really special between driver and fans like the old days like Alesi riding Schumacher Benetton in Canada 95,Vettel riding a scooter and get fine for it that’s silly