F1: Formula 1 Drivers Face Stricter Speed Limit for Double Yellows

The FIA has instituted a tougher speed restriction for drivers to follow while travelling through double yellow flag zones during safety car and virtual safety car operations. The International Sporting Code formerly stipulated that drivers should respond to double yellows by drastically slowing down, refraining from overtaking and being ready to either alter course or halt. Double yellows cancel drivers' qualifying lap times as a safety measure. Running behind the safety car or virtual safety car, however, did not need any further braking when a double yellow flag area was present. Furthermore, given the nature of timing deltas at the time, it was not uncommon for drivers to exceed their typical speeds in order to make up for time lost previously in a sector. 

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Double yellow: How Will it Improve Safety?

In a double yellow flag zone, drivers will get both visible and aural warnings, so they shouldn't be taken off guard by the need to slow down even further. When a double yellow flag zone begins, all delta needs to revert back to zero.

The FIA insists on putting safety ahead of the performance, even if the new method may put some drivers at a disadvantage if they have to slow down for a double yellow that has gone by the time the cars behind them get through. 

Now, whenever a safety car or virtual safety car is in effect, cars must adhere to a reduced speed restriction through a double yellow flag area. FIA technical director Tim Goss felt that setting a maximum speed would help drivers and make the environment safer for track employees. 

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When will the new speed limit be introduced?

The new regulations, which will take effect at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, apply to following both physical and virtual safety cars. According to the FIA's statement, the decision came after the organisation analysed data, spoke with teams, and reviewed incident reports.

To make the system easier to grasp for drivers, the displays on the steering wheels will be upgraded to provide more detailed warnings when a section of the circuit is under double-waved yellows. 

The streets of Monte Carlo will play host to Formula One's world this weekend for the Monaco Grand Prix. Monaco's status as Formula 1's pinnacle has recently come under scrutiny for being less action-packed than other races because of its narrow track. Because of this, there are fewer overtakes, resulting in a boring and monotonous race result.