The use of flares has been a talking point in F1 for most of this season, with fans having the same view: ban them.
At the Austrian Grand Prix, those using the flares were heavily criticized by F1 fans for obstructing their views, with many of those missing the action on the first, and last laps. Drivers also had their say, as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc agreed they “couldn’t see anything” at Turn 6 during the formation lap.
Ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, F1 fans attending the race weekend were warned that they will be ejected from the circuit if they lit up flares or fireworks. Signs placed around the track read, ‘It is prohibited to set off fireworks and other incendiary materials. If you do use flares, you will be removed from the premises.’
Despite that, the F1 Qualifying session was red flagged a mere 60 seconds into Q2 following a flare being thrown onto the track near Turn 13, moments before Alex Albon in his Williams drove past.
The FIA confirmed that the person responsible for throwing the flare on track had been identified and removed by event security.
Max Verstappen has since criticized the “stupid” throwing of flares today.
“It’s not good for anyone – you get thrown out so you can’t see the race and for us, the session is stopped because it’s dangerous when there is stuff on the track. [You] shouldn’t do it.”
Notably, the use of flares at F1 races isn’t a new craze, with other instances of them being lit in support of teams or drivers at both the Italian and Mexican races last year.
Should flares at F1 races be banned?