Once these stoppers had emerged from the pits, all cars would then pack up behind the safety car for a restart, but in the “fairest” order. Then all cars would be limited to the same low speed, gaps between cars would be maintained, and cars that have not yet pitted would get a chance to do so. The idea is that all cars are fitted with a secondary speed-limiter – like the one set for pitlanes but at a slightly higher speed (as per the two-stage pit speed limiter used in Texas) – which a driver must hit within three-four seconds of a full-course caution being thrown. Several drivers have been convinced by the merits of a potential alternative procedure.

The pits-closed-under-caution rule was introduced to stop drivers rushing to the pits, possibly through the incident/accident scene, thereby risking themselves, the drivers in the stricken car(s) and the Safety Team. The good thing is that the 2023 car with the hybrid unit will be able to get moving again – so that means fewer risks for the AMR Safety Team, safer for the driver as well, and less chance of the need for a yellow.” “Again, there’s a lot of opinions as to what we should do going forward. You’ve seen Kyle do that a number of times over the past couple of years so that the leaders who have made their fuel or tires go longer don’t end up put at the back for the next restart.

“If it appears we can delay the rescue for a car that’s just spun off and needs fired up, then we will delay. But safety is our main priority, and if we can’t delay it, then the yellows will get shown and the pits will close. “I think Kyle has done a great job of trying to delay yellows that occur around pitstop time, so those who have not yet pitted don’t get their race affected badly by us closing the pits.

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