F1 needs to review “chaotic” Monaco GP start delay

The start was initially delayed by FIA race director Eduardo Freitas because rain fell on the grid and a heavier downpour was expected.

When it was announced that there would be a formation lap behind the safety car all teams were obliged to fit extreme or full wet tyres.

Tyres have to be fitted five minutes before the start, and some teams were less prepared than others for the late switch, which triggered another delay.

The cars ran for two laps behind the safety car before a torrential downpour led to a red flag before the race had officially started.

Further delays were triggered by rain impacting some of the electrical systems used by F1 and the FIA before it finally got underway.

Teams were also confused by some non-standard messages appearing on the timing screens.

“I think that needs a bit of a review because it was a little chaotic, with tyres coming on the grid, off the grid,” said Horner.

“It’s a busy enough grid here, and it’s always a little dangerous to try and pre-empt the weather.

“You can argue it both ways. You could say we would have been better starting the race and then reacting to the downpour, and either putting the safety car out or stopping the race, but I think it needs a bit of a review after this weekend.”

Asked by Autosport about what appeared to be some strange decisions by race control, Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto highlighted the delay that allowed teams to fit extreme wets came within the mandatory five minute window before the start.

Ferrari was among the teams that managed to fulfil that requirement without the extra delay.

“You call it yourself, strange decisions,” he said. “But I can only say that we were a team that was fully prepared on the grid. We had our extreme wet tyres fitted on the cars on time.

“And I think at the time, we were certainly in a strong position, and good for the team to show that at least we…