Overview:
Questions have been raised about the potential implementation of an 'extra time' rule in Formula 1 after the chaotic end to the Australian Grand Prix. Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer was asked about the idea following the race, suggesting that while it could be considered, the rules should be set before the race and followed consistently.
The Australian Grand Prix witnessed an unprecedented third red flag on Lap 57, causing confusion and raising questions about the possible introduction of an ‘extra time’ rule similar to those used in NASCAR or Formula E. The race saw Pierre Gasly take out his teammate Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso spun out of the podium by Carlos Sainz.
In the aftermath, Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer was asked about the possibility of implementing an extra time rule to prevent such confusion in the future. He expressed the importance of setting rules at the beginning of the race and sticking to them, allowing for the examination of rules only after the race has concluded.
Szafnauer referred to the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix, where confusion over red flag rules led to Kimi Raikkonen being awarded the win before it was later determined that Giancarlo Fisichella was the leader when the race result was declared. Jordan successfully appealed the decision, and Fisichella was ultimately declared the winner. The Alpine Team Principal emphasized the importance of following the established rules, stating that if they are found to be insufficient, they should be changed after learning from the experience, rather than during or immediately after the race.