Former Formula One engineer Bernadette Collins has suggested that the FIA's decision to revert to grid order after the chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix first formation lap strays from regulations around the suspension of a race's start procedure.
Hamilton's software issue
Lewis Hamilton stopped on the straight at Sepang after encountering a software problem in his engine. The Ferrari driver was overtaken by the field due to how slowly he was driving before eventually coming to a halt. The issue appeared to affect all Ferrari-powered cars, with Charles Leclerc, as well as both Cadillac and Haas cars, also struggling.
Hamilton said at one stage over team radio: "I'm pressing the throttle and nothing is happening!" After qualifying in second, he seemingly faced starting at the back of the grid rather than on the front row before the FIA reverted to grid order.
Collins' criticism
Speaking on Sky Sports, Collins said: "I agree with going back to the grid order because that was so chaotic, but there is literally a rule written for suspension of start procedure that says in black and white: 'F1 cars entering the pit lane behind the safety car will start in the order they entered the pit lane.' Yes, that was much more chaotic than that rule is written for, but that rule is written there."
She added: "The people that have gained because they did a better job during their formation lap, through either understanding of the engine or pure luck or whatever the case may be, the people that gained will feel a little bit hard done by if it goes back to grid order. You can argue for both cases, there will be pit walls now frantically talking to race control in both directions."
Potential protests
On the subject of potential protests, Collins continued: "I think there would be an acceptance that the start was more chaotic as that rule has outlined for. That rule is outlined if maybe one car loses position in the formation lap then it should start in the order that they went through the pit lane."
Collins concluded: "There will be an acceptance that this is outside of normal but every team that benefitted, we are here to gain points, we're here to benefit from the unfortunes of others. The teams that have benefitted will be arguing the other way, they will be saying that this is a rule, this is where it's in the regulation. I do think it will be tricky and there will be some difficult conversations. I do think on the balance of sporting you go to the race start and start as normal procedure again."
