Six F1 drivers under investigation for Abu Dhabi GP pitcrew infringements

During the second half of the 2023 season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit, Hamilton and Pierre Gasly were flagged for investigation over a possible pitstop infringement. They were soon joined by Verstappen, Williams drivers Logan Sargeant and Alex Albon plus Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu.

The FIA stewards said the matter would be investigated after the 58-lap race and further clarification from the governing body pointed out that the infringements were related to “pitcrew potentially not wearing the required eye protection during a stop”.

Article 34.13 of the sporting regulations says: “All team personnel carrying out any work on a car in the pitlane when the car is in its pitstop position during the qualifying session, the sprint shootout, the sprint session or during a race pit stop, 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.

“The use of appropriate eye protection is compulsory.”

Abu Dhabi’s race is unique on the F1 calendar in that it starts under a setting sun and ends under complete darkness.

It therefore throws up unique visibility challenges for drivers and pitcrew, with the choice of visor tints more complicated than usual.

Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB19, leaves the pits after a stop

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB19, leaves the pits after a stop

It is possible some pitcrew members had temporarily opened up their protective visors during the second set of pitstops as visibility in the pitlane got lower.

The season finale was won at a canter by Verstappen, who took his 19th win of the 2023 season out of 22 races.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished second ahead of Mercedes man George Russell.

The second Red Bull of Sergio Perez finished second on the road, but was demoted to fourth after receiving a five-second penalty for a class with McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Norris finished fifth ahead of team-mate Oscar Piastri.