Christian Horner believes that the way in which the start of the Monaco Grand Prix was managed should be reviewed by the FIA. There has been much discussion over the delayed start to the race. When rain started to fall shortly before the scheduled start time, there was frantic activity on the grid as mechanics swapped dry weather tyres for Intermediates. However, proceedings were postponed, and the start eventually got underway behind the Safety Car around 15 minutes later. Soon afterwards, the red flags were shown when the rainfall became heavier, and it was not until over an hour after the original start time that the Grand Prix was properly able to begin.
Confusion amongst the drivers
In the immediate aftermath of the race, several drivers expressed confusion over the initial decision to delay the start of the race. When told that the FIA had said that the call had been made due to there not having been any previous wet weather running during the weekend, Lewis Hamilton seemed surprised. "We're Formula 1 drivers," Hamilton told media, including RacingNews365.com . "That's definitely not a good reason! I'm sure when we talk in the drivers' briefing we'll discuss it, but we should have started the race." Hamilton's Mercedes teammate, George Russell, also felt that the Grand Prix could have begun at the original time. "It's a difficult position for the Race Director, and it's easy [to say] in hindsight," the Briton commented. "From my side, I think it was definitely Intermediate [tyres] to start with, and I think we could have gone directly. "At least [we] probably [would have got] some laps under our belt, and then maybe red flag it when the rain came in, rather than delaying and delaying."
Horner admits start was "chaotic"
For Red Bull boss Horner, the way that events unfolded would be worth a second look by the FIA. "I think that needs a bit of a review, because it was a little chaotic with tyres coming on the grid, off the grid," Horner explained. "It's a busy enough grid here, and it's always a little dangerous to try and pre-empt the weather. "You can argue it both ways; you could say we'd have been better starting the race, and then reacting to the downpour and either putting the Safety Car out or or stopping the race, but I think it needs a bit of a review after this weekend." When asked if he is confident in the FIA's current handling of Formula 1, Horner gave his backing to Race Control. He acknowledged, though, that it may take some time for some of the recent changes made to "bed in". "Obviously, there's been change," Horner added. "But I have to say, Race Control, they're doing the best job that they can and certain things are a lot clearer this year. "I think there's a lot of new people in the system, and inevitably that takes a little bit of time to bed in." As previously reported by RacingNews365.com , it later emerged that the postponement of the race was not due to the hazardous weather conditions, but instead due to a problem with the starting system , to which the start lights are linked.
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