Ross Brawn believes Formula 1 should consider a new review system to better judge controversial incidents, in the wake of the Max Verstappen penalty in the US Grand Prix.
Verstappen’s last lap pass on Kimi Raikkonen sparked huge debate in and around F1, after the Red Bull driver was penalised for going off track to complete the pass and lost his podium finish.
While there was no question about Verstappen having all four wheels off the track, several instances in which other drivers also ran off the circuit in the race without facing sanction were highlighted.
Red Bull and Verstappen were also upset that the decision to punish the Dutchman was done so quickly, without the chance to speak to the drivers involved.
Brawn, who is F1’s managing director of motorsports, thinks the time has come to ensure that in repeat incidents in the future there is the chance for those involved in the case to put their side of events across.
Writing in his regular post-race newsletter, Brawn said that it would be better if the teams could speak with the FIA.
“I believe that once the dust is settled on this episode it would be good to review cases such as this with all the relevant parties – the FIA and the teams,” said Brawn.
“In every sport technology is becoming more and more important in allowing referees to take sporting decisions with more accuracy and readiness.
“It’s happening even in football, where a video review system is in place in leagues like Bundesliga in Germany and Serie A in Italy.
“In Formula 1 we already have exceptional video technology but I think we need to look at how we utilise it in order to maintain accuracy and consistency.”