FIA’s Last-Minute Rule Change: No Overtaking in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Pitlane Exit

In a surprising turn of events, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) has made a last-minute alteration to the regulations governing the final qualifying round of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This unexpected change, directly inspired by Max Verstappen’s daring maneuvers during a practice session, now firmly prohibits overtaking in the pitlane exit.

The decision to amend the regulations mere hours before the decisive qualifying round of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community. This alteration, which explicitly states that overtaking in the pitlane exit is strictly forbidden, comes on the heels of a highly contentious practice session that took place on a fateful Friday.

During this practice session, Max Verstappen, a three-time world champion hailing from the Red Bull Racing team, exhibited an audacious and aggressive approach to his competitors. His overtaking maneuvers were deemed by race officials to be not only daring but also potentially dangerous. Verstappen’s fearless actions prompted the FIA to take immediate action to safeguard the integrity of the competition.

Race director Niels Wittich issued a formal statement outlining the revised event regulations, and his words underscored the paramount importance of safety and fairness in Formula 1. Wittich’s statement emphasized that the FIA remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding order and safety standards within the sport, especially during high-stakes moments like the final rounds of a Grand Prix.

This unprecedented amendment serves as a stark reminder of Formula 1’s dedication to ensuring that the sport remains thrilling and competitive while maintaining the highest levels of safety for all participants.

Verstappen’s conduct during practice has sparked heated discussions and raised eyebrows across the Formula 1 community. Cameras captured the daring moments when he overtook not only Lewis Hamilton and George Russell of Mercedes but also a driver from the Alpine team, all within the confines of the pitlane exit tunnel. This swift and audacious display prompted an immediate response from the governing body. When questioned about his actions, Verstappen offered this defense:

“They have to move. They are all driving slow, and I want to go out because we are limited on time, and they just keep on driving in the middle. Then, when I tried to pass, they tried to squeeze me in the wall. So yeah… a bit silly.”