All 10 F1 teams have escaped penalties from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stewards after “numerous” breaches of regulations concerning eye protection worn by their pit crews.
The stewards announced several drivers would be investigated after the race for pit stop infringements, including Lewis Hamilton, Pierre Gasly, Max Verstappen, Logan Sargeant, Zhou Guanyu and Alexander Albon.
RaceFans was informed during the race that the alleged infringement was in connection with the eye protection used by the respective teams’ pit crews during the race.
After the chequered flag, the stewards summoned the managers of all 10 teams in connection with a suspected breach of Article 34.13 of the sporting regulations, which governs the protective head and eyewear pit stop personnel must wear.
The regulation states all members of the pit crew “must be wearing helmets which meet or exceed the requirements of ECE 22.05 – European motorcycle road helmet, DOT – USA motorcycle road helmet or JIS T8133-2015, class 2 – JPN protective helmets for automobile users.” It also specifies that “the use of appropriate eye protection is compulsory.”
Photographs of pit stops involving several different teams during the race appear to show many team members working in the pit lane wore a combination of clear and darkened helmet visors, with some appearing to have their helmet visors open.
After an investigation, the stewards determined that there had been “numerous” breaches of the regulation in cases where helmet visors had been open. However, the stewards took no further action on all ten teams after deciding it was “insufficiently clear” whether those who had their visors open were wearing glasses or some other form of eye protection that would satisfy the regulations.
“Notwithstanding,” the stewards said, “there were numerous examples of eye protection not being used.
“The safety of team members is paramount. All teams are requested to stress the importance of eye protection for all personnel working on a car and ensure that this article is respected by all team members in the future.”
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2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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