FIA explains British Grand Prix safety car finish after software error
The FIA has confirmed a software glitch was responsible for an incorrect message that caused confusion at the end of the British Grand Prix, which finished under safety car conditions on Sunday.
Charles Leclerc secured victory at Silverstone ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
The race concluded in a controlled formation rather than a dramatic final-lap sprint.
The safety car was deployed on lap 48 of 52 after Max Verstappen beached his Red Bull in the Stowe gravel trap.
Erroneous message sparks confusion
Marshals worked quickly to clear the stranded machine and ensure the track was safe for racing.
Lapped runners were instructed to unlap themselves at the start of the penultimate lap.
A sudden display stating the pace car would pit then appeared on screens, hinting at a grandstand finish.
This instruction was swiftly cancelled, meaning no overtaking was permitted on the final tour.
FIA cites strict rule application
Motorsport’s governing body released a statement post-race to clarify the sequence of events.
Officials explained that Article B5 13.5 dictates one full lap must be completed following the unlapping procedure.
The ‘Safety Car In This Lap’ message was displayed erroneously due to a software error.
FIA
The organisation stressed that race operations had otherwise followed the correct process.
Ghosts of Abu Dhabi avoided
Sunday marked the first time a Formula 1 event has finished behind the safety car since the 2022 Italian Grand Prix.
The strict adherence to the rules drew immediate comparisons to the controversial 2021 title decider in Abu Dhabi.
At that notorious finale, an incorrect application of regulations cost Mercedes talisman Hamilton an eighth world championship.
Team principal Toto Wolff expressed satisfaction that the rulebook was followed to the letter this time around.
Even the race-winning Monegasque driver admitted he would have preferred a standard racing conclusion.