Written by Hugh Waring, Edited by Juan Arroyo
Credit: XPB Images
It has been confirmed that effective immediately, F1 drivers and engineers will not be able to use bikes or scooters during Thursday’s ‘track walk’. It has been known that many drivers and personnel use electric bikes or scooters to view the track.
This has been banned following a letter to teams (including F2 and F3) by Formula One Management that stated: “To clarify and to avoid future misunderstanding, the use of any means of transport (bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, e-scooters, etc) is forbidden during the time window stated as ‘Team Track Walks’ on the Event Timetable. No exceptions will be allowed. This decision has been agreed with the FIA.”
F1 drivers have made it clear their opinions on this decision. Leclerc will join Verstappen in skipping future track walks.
Leclerc responded: "I didn't walk around,”
“And as I think they've just issued a new thing where we cannot go around the track with a bicycle you probably won't see me around the track anymore, and I'll just watch the videos!"
This ban further created issues due to the Saudi Arabia track closing for filming during the track walk time, forcing individuals to change their schedules as a result. This filming involved rapper Will.I.Am for an upcoming music video.
Nico Hulkenberg told the media: “I wanted to do it now, but they blocked the track, and it's all gone wrong now! I'll watch the safety car, and I'll see it tomorrow."