Ex-F1 driver demands rule change after Daniel Ricciardo stole fastest lap from Lando Norris in Singapore
1 week ago
The Singapore GP saw an extremely emotional end for Daniel Ricciardo after he stole the fastest lap bonus from Lando Norris to allegedly help Max Verstappen in his championship battle. For Ricciardo, this was his last help to his old pal before exiting the sport. However, many in the racing community were against this move from the Aussie and it has made ex-racer Giedo Van der Garde to ask for a rule change.
McLaren was extremely displeased by Daniel Ricciardo‘s help to Max Verstappen at the Singapore GP. The Dutchman was pleased to be on the receiving end and thanked his old pal. However, Giedo Van der Garde suggested a bizarre solution to such problems of drivers helping each other. He suggested that the driver not in the top 10 on Sunday shouldn’t be awarded the bonus point.
First of all, if the person making the fast lap is not inside the top-10, that driver should not be considered for the purpose of assigning the additional point.
Giedo Van der Garde said on the De Race Show podcast (H&T: formulapassion.it)
On the contrary, Giedo Van der Garde believed that the drivers in the top 10 clocking the fastest lap amongst themselves should be awarded the extra point. This suggestion wasn’t the most inclusive option available as the remaining drivers wouldn’t have a fair chance. Hence, FIA is highly unlikely to consider this suggestion from the Ex-F1 driver.
The extra point for the fast lap I would assign it to the driver who signs the fastest lap among the drivers included in the points area.
Giedo Van der Garde added.
Junior racing categories like Formula 2, Formula 3, and others give the extra point to the pole-sitters from qualifying. Hence, Giedo Van der Garde believed that this should also be followed by Formula 1. This would also motivate the drivers to fight for the pole position at tracks where starting P1 isn’t the most favorable.
Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo (via Formula 1)
In general, however, I would move the extra point in the race to Saturday by rewarding the author of the pole position
Giedo Van der Garde noted
Formula 1 is currently pretty balanced in terms of handing out points to the drivers. The extra point for the fastest lap is a great help to those fighting in the lower order of championship standings. Hence, the sport might not change the current setup despite the possibility of a ‘coalition championship’.
