Pierre Gasly disqualified from qualifying for Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Alpine F1 driver Pierre Gasly was disqualified from the qualifying session of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a rules infringement. The incident involved exceeding the instantaneous fuel mass flow limit, in breach of Article 5.2.3 of the FIA ​​Formula One Technical Regulations.

According to the technical delegate’s report, Gasly’s car, number 10, exceeded the permitted fuel mass flow of 100 kg/h. Alpine noted that the fuel flow spike was caused by a transient technical fault. They claimed that the fault was unexpected, occurred briefly and did not provide any performance advantage, as evidenced by the slower lap time. The team argued that such technical problems are rare and not part of their race strategy.

At a hearing attended by the team’s sporting director and engineer, but not Gasly himself, the FIA ​​and stewards reviewed the team’s claims. Despite agreeing on the cause of the error, the FIA ​​technical staff explained that the lack of a performance advantage was irrelevant.

Referring to Article 1.3.3 of the International Sporting Code, the reasoning was clear. The official letter from the Stewards states:

“No / Driver: 10 – Pierre Gasly
“Competitor: BWT Alpine F1 Team
“Fact: Momentary fuel mass flow limit exceeded.
“Infringement: Breach of Article 5.2.3 of the FIA ​​Formula 1 Technical Regulations.
“Decision: Car 10 is disqualified from the qualifying standings.
“Reason: The stewards heard from representatives of the Car 10 team (Pierre Gasly), including the Sporting Director and the Engineer involved in the case, as well as the FIA ​​Technical Delegate, together with the FIA ​​Engineers managing the measurements and data from the car. The driver was summoned to give him the opportunity to defend himself, but he did not appear at the hearing.

“The technical delegate advised that car #10 exceeded the permitted fuel mass flow by 100kg/h on the last measured lap in Q2.

“Team officials explained that they had an unexpected, short-term technical fault that caused the fuel mass flow to increase temporarily, more than expected. The cause was agreed by the FIA ​​technical staff.

“The competitor did not dispute the fact that the fuel mass flow was greater than that permitted at that time.

“The rider demonstrated to the Stewards that a technical fault resulted in a slower lap time and that no performance advantage was gained at that point. Therefore, they submit, this should be considered as part of the remedies. They also noted that the very rare breach of this article shows that it is not part of their strategy and that the interim scale simply exceeded the margin they maintain to prevent a breach.

“The usual penalty for a breach of technical regulations is disqualification and the Stewards note that Article 1.3.3 of the International Sporting Code states: ‘If it is found that the Automobile does not comply with the applicable technical regulations, it shall not be possible to claim that no performance advantage has been gained.’ In addition to the Code, the International Court of Appeal has long held the same position.

“Accordingly, the Stewards will apply the normal penalty and disqualify the car and driver from the qualifying classification.”