Formula 1's race director Michael Masi has indicated that he might be open to altering red flag rules in the wake of Charles Leclerc's jarring qualifying crash in Monaco. While the incident did temporarily hand the Monegasque driver Pole Position for Sunday's Grand Prix, issues caused by the impact meant that the Ferrari man was unable to take to the grid as planned. One such solution could see sport organisers look to implement an IndyCar style system, where the driver who brings out a red flag during qualifying would lose their best time from the session. "Like everything when everything arises, the FIA, Formula 1 and the teams look at everything and consider its merits," Masi told RacingNews365.com and other selected members of the media. "And yes, I know the IndyCar rule which is also a rule in a number of other FIA international series and domestic championships around the world. And we will look at it and together with all of the key stakeholders determine if it's suitable or not." Speaking of Leclerc's costly crash, Masi is adamant that there was nothing suspicious about the nature of the shunt. In years gone by, drivers have seemingly used red/yellow flag opportunities to cynically seal provisional Pole during qualifying - but Masi doesn't believe Leclerc's actions were deliberate. "The incident was looked at immediately in race control," Masi added. "And it was quite clear to us that it was an error "So having looked at it, looked at the data and also listening to the team communication, I don't think any driver would go out there to severely damage their car, to that degree, in any circumstance, because of the consequences that may arise out of that." The Australian also sought to clear up any confusion over Leclerc's failed gearbox, which ultimately left the driver unable to compete in the Grand Prix. According to Masi, all of Ferrari's actions complied with the sporting regulations. "Ferrari made a number of requests to change parts in parc ferme through the normal process yesterday after the incident in qualifying," Masi concluded. "All of the requests that were made for changes of components... were all approved."
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