The accordion effect behind the Safety Car on Sunday saw drivers have to take evasive action... AusGP F1 MercedesAMGF1
They explained: “When Russell and the cars behind caught up with the cars in front, they were met with a significant speed delta between the two groups resulting in a situation where a number of cars had to take evasive action.
“We do consider that part of the problem is the regulation that permits the lead car to set the pace even when the restart is for a standing start from the pit lane,” the stewards added. Article 58.11 of the sporting regulations states: “At this point the first car in line behind the Safety Car may dictate the pace and, if necessary, fall more than ten car lengths behind it.”Between the two Mercedes drivers, Hamilton going slow and Russell trying to catch up along with those behind him, they created a perfect storm in Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix.
At that time the Safety Car’s lights go out and the P1 car becomes the pace-setter – as it is on the formation lap ahead of an official race start. And when last did you see a near-miss pile-up on a formation lap?