We’ll be honest, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix gave us absolutely nothing today, but Sergio Perez did become the first driver to have two Grand Prix wins at the circuit. However, that was entirely overshadowed by an insane last-lap incident that happened in the pit lane.
It was very close to disaster and something Sky Sports pundit Ted Kravitz labelled “an absolute shambles” as the drama unfolded. With two laps of the race to go, the FIA started letting photographers take their positions for the parc ferme ceremony.
But Esteban Ocon still had to perform his mandatory pitstop, which forced the media to avoid an incoming Alpine heading right towards them.
that should NOT be happening 😳 pic.twitter.com/UUMkZUJYRy
— WTF1 (@wtf1official) April 30, 2023
Ocon was understandably upset with the situation. Talking to the media, including The Race, he said: “I don’t understand why we are starting to prep the podium and prep the ceremony while we are still racing.”
He continued: “I’m arriving at 300kph, braking very late, and I see the people around, this is crazy, it could have been a big, big one today. It’s definitely something that needs to be discussed.”
From a fan’s view on the TV, it looked like a close call – but it isn’t until you see Ocon’s onboard footage you realise just how close it was.
Ocon said: “I had to lift off, I had to back off. I would not have liked to be the one in the middle there. I have to say, at the speed that we are arriving there, especially so close to the line. If I miss the braking point, it’s a big disaster.”
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time an incident like this has happened. At the Australian Grand Prix in 2022, Alex Albon entered the pitlane on the last lap and security was forced to stop fans as they attempted to get up close in anticipation of the podium celebrations.
Today’s incident is currently under investigation by the FIA, confirming: “Representatives of the FIA responsible for the Parc Ferme area at pit entry are required to report to the Stewards at 17:30 in relation to the incident below:
“Personnel blocking the fast lane in the pit lane on the final lap of the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix while the pit lane remained open.”
What are your thoughts on the incident? Let us know in the comments.
