Visibility became a significant problem for Formula 1 drivers in the closing stages of qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix after a series of disruptions.
Qualifying was red-flagged twice, first for a collision involving Lance Stroll and Nicholas Latifi in Q1, and again when Fernando Alonso crashed in Q3. The start of Q2 was delayed after Alex Albon was told to stop his Williams on circuit at the end of the opening phase.
Therefore qualifying, which was scheduled to end at 5pm local time, continued until after 5:30pm, around half an hour before sunset.
As a result, several drivers complained visibility became very poor as light levels dropped.
“There was one run that we literally couldn’t see,” said Daniel Ricciardo.”There was like four corners I could not find the apex.”
He admitted he was sat in his car for so long at one stage he began to feel tired. “It was interesting. You’re sitting in the car for so long, still, in the garage, you start to just get a little bit,…