F1 drivers given qualifying warning for Azerbaijan Grand Prix

FIA race director Michael Masi has warned drivers about creating a gap in practice and qualifying after the de facto final corner to avoid an unnecessary incident.

The layout at the Baku City Circuit means that after what is essentially the final corner, three marked turns actually remain, although all three are taken flat out at full throttle.

As drivers always aim to create a sufficient gap to the car ahead before beginning a flying lap, Masi has outlined in his race director's event notes that drivers will be reported for creating a gap after the final braking zone at turn 16.

The event briefing states: "During any practice session, any driver intending to create a gap in front of him in order to get a clear lap should not attempt to do this between the entry to turn 17 through to the exit of turn 20.

"Any driver seen to have done this will be reported to the stewards as being in breach of article 27.4 of the sporting regulations."

Article 27.4 of the sporting regulations indicates that "at no time may a car be driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically or in a manner which could be deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers or any other person."

Masi has also highlighted to the drivers that erratic driving will also not be tolerated.

The notes add that: "For reasons of safety, during each practice session, acts such as weaving across the track to hinder another car may be referred to the stewards.

"During free practice session three and the qualifying practice, the time published in accordance with item eight of the race director's event notes will be used as a guide by the stewards to determine if a driver is considered to be driving unnecessarily slowly on an out lap or any other lap that is not a fast lap or in lap."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton denies speeding charge as fans call for Kim Kardashian ban

• 19 minutes ago

The moment Kim Kardashian steals F1 Monaco GP winner Kimi Antonelli's towel

• Yesterday 22:45

Adrian Newey breaks silence about Aston Martin F1 misery and reveals updates plan

• Yesterday 21:45

Lewis Hamilton demands answers from Ferrari after 'drastic' change at Monaco Grand Prix

• Yesterday 20:56

Toto Wolff eyes Max Verstappen move as George Russell contract clause could be triggered

• Yesterday 20:14

Fans call for Kim Kardashian F1 ban as row rages over Brundle snub

• Yesterday 19:28