New rule regarding double yellow flags

As of this weekend at the United States GP, the presence of a double yellow flag on the track will result in the automatic cancellation of the times set by drivers who crossed the accident scene, as is already the case when the Explicitly designated runway limits are not respected.

The change comes two weeks after the Turkish GP where Fernando Alonso found himself under investigation by the stewards during qualifying for having encountered a yellow flag during his first flying lap. Even if he had signed for a time, the pilot Alpine had escaped the sanction because it was his first attempt and had clearly given up in view of the times set subsequently.

In his traditional pre-GP instructions, race director Michael Masi confirmed the cancellation of any mark in the event of a double yellow flag from Austin (Texas).

The drivers generally welcomed this adjustment, which helps clarify a gray area in the sporting regulations.