Stewards issue verdict after scary Ocon pit incident review

The FIA will review the procedures and relevant protocols for the post-race celebrations in parc ferme, after the dangerous situation that occurred at the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon.

The Alpine driver pitted on the last lap and was confronted with numerous photographers and FIA officials setting up for the post-race celebrations, having to take avoiding action as some were in the fast lane.

Post-race the Stewards said they were going to investigate the incident and summoned the FIA representatives responsible for the procedures.

Having heard from the Race Director Niels Wittich, examined video evidence and heard from the representatives, they have requested a review of the procedures for future events.

The stewards said that while it was not unusual for FIA officials to begin the post-race parc ferme preparation in the closing laps, they acknowledged that a driver pitting on the last lap created a "dangerous situation" and considered that there was no "serious consequences" from the incident.

Full FIA stewards decision

"The Stewards heard from the FIA representatives and determined that the relevant representatives took steps to set up the parc ferme area and also permitted media and other personnel to gather in the start of the pit lane and the pit wall during the last lap of the race, while the pit lane was open and before the final pit stop of OCO (Car 31).

"We noted that it was not unusual for the representatives to allow such persons into the pit lane just before the end of the race, in the usual course of preparation for parc ferme and the Podium ceremony. However, in this case, there was one driver that had to pit in the last lap and this created a very dangerous situation for those that were in the pit lane at the time. We considered that it was fortunate that there were no serious consequences on account of what happened today. We stressed that the requirements of ensuring a safe and orderly event are paramount. This was acknowledged by the FIA team.

"We walked through the relevant procedures and protocol with the FIA representatives in detail and required them to take immediate steps to reconsider these procedures and protocols with the relevant stakeholders (including FOM, the teams and the FIA) to ensure that this situation does not occur again.

"The FIA representatives expressed their regret at what happened and assured us that they would do so in time for the next event."