Racing driver and analyst Tom Coronel has strongly criticized the FIA’s decision to deploy a virtual safety car in the closing laps of the Mexico City Grand Prix. Max Verstappen was hot on the heels of Charles Leclerc – who was in P2 at the time – but had to abort his attack as the race was neutralized. According to Coronel, it was ‘completely ridiculous’ to decide the race in this way.
Coronel pointed to the FIA as the biggest loser of the Grand Prix. In the midst of a thrilling duel between Verstappen and Leclerc – a crucial battle in the title race – the race direction decided to call for a virtual safety car. The FIA responded to Carlos Sainz’s retirement, who had parked his Williams off the track after a spin. The race was neutralized, causing Verstappen to see his chances of second place go up in smoke.
‘Pure Disappointment’
According to Coronel, a yellow flag at the entrance of the stadium section, where Lando Norris had safely parked his car, would have been sufficient. “The flop of the race was, of course, the FIA, who decided to declare a VSC in the last two laps – right in the middle of such a battle,” he said. “How could they do this? This is not normal. I would like to have a conversation with the person who made this decision, because it is completely ridiculous. Norris deliberately drove into the escape route and had parked his car safely.”
The FIA later stated that the Williams car was smoking and that the marshals had reported a possible fire. Therefore, the race management felt compelled to deploy a VSC. “Come on guys, no panic in those last two laps,” Coronel downplayed the danger. “This is such a decision that makes me think: ‘This is the moment of truth!’ To then pull the plug, is pure disappointment.”
