(Motorsport-Total.com) – The introduction of the new safety system, developed to ensure the start of Formula 1 cars even in case of problems, has been postponed. Originally, the Formula 1 Commission had decided during the long April break to test the new system at the Miami and Montreal weekends, and then to finally include it in the regulations.
But this must first be postponed, as the first tests will not be possible at the Miami weekend. The simple reason: the software required for operation is not yet available. Therefore, the necessary tests can be carried out at the earliest in Montreal and Monaco.
Nevertheless, something will also be tested in Miami: a lighting system at the rear of the cars that activates in case of a stall or a particularly slow start. This is a system aimed at making a stationary or dangerously slow car on the starting grid as visible as possible.
Starts have so far been one of the hot topics during the season, as there were large differences between individual teams in the field, leading to dangerous situations. In Australia, Liam Lawson barely moved off the line, which almost caused Franco Colapinto to crash into his rear at full speed if he had not reacted instantly.
The focus was also on the standard control unit, which seemed to have some compatibility issues with the power units of all manufacturers during the development phase, which in some cases even prevented the engine from starting.
However, in this case, it is not an unexpectedly occurring problem, but a necessary delay to complete, test, and install the software on all control units.
If the safety system proves itself in Montreal and Monaco and causes no problems, its use will be official from the Spanish Grand Prix in mid-June.