FOM implements drastic “bike ban” on the Formula 1 drivers and teams during track walk 

The FOM with the FIA's agreement implemented "bike ban" ahead of the 2023 Saudi Arabian GP.

FOM implements drastic “bike ban” on the Formula 1 drivers and teams during track walk 

Carlos Sainz. Image via Autoweek.

The track walk has always been a part of the race weekends. It is as the name suggests. The Formula 1 drivers and the team walk around the circuit during the Grand Prix weekend and inspect the track close-up. The track walk has its place on the Formula 1 timetable like the free practice sessions, qualifying, media time, drivers parade, and so on.

The timing was 1 PM-4:30 PM on Thursday for the Saudi Arabian GP. The teams and the drivers have another slot in the evening. But the track will be open to everyone at that time. Hence, the teams are most likely to avoid the evening slot because of the crowd. Most Formula 1 drivers go for the “track walk” on their bicycles. However, this will not be possible anymore. 

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Electric bikes and scooters were becoming popular during the track walk. The Formula 1 management found the track becoming hectic, especially when there were other events like F2 and F3. Hence, they have banned any form of transport during the walk period. At the Bahrain GP, the FOM issued a letter to the teams regarding this subject. The FOM is the event organizer, and they oversee the tracks during official sessions. 

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The Formula 1 drivers and the teams will face consequences if they don’t abide by the rule

The FOM’s note read, “To clarify and to avoid future misunderstanding, the use of any means of transport like bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, e-scooters, etc. It is forbidden during the time window stated as ‘Team Track Walks’ on the Event Timetable. No exceptions will be allowed. This decision has been agreed with the FIA.” There will be severe punishments for anyone who disobeys this rule.

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Charles Leclerc. Image via F1

Charles Leclerc addressed this ban to Motorsports.com, “I didn’t walk around. And as I think they’ve just issued a new thing where we cannot go around the track with a bicycle you probably won’t see me around the track anymore, and I’ll just watch the videos.” The Ferrari driver, Leclerc was unhappy with this new rule. He is one of the drivers spotted on his bicycle on the track.

Furthermore, the Jeddah track was closed by Formula 1 for filming on Thursday. Hence, the drivers and teams could not go on their usual track walk. Nico Hulkenberg, the Haas driver, stated he wanted to complete his walk,  unfortunately, the track was blocked. The filming was for William, the Black Eyed Peas rapper. The American artist’s crew shot footage at different points across the track using a Formula 1 show car. This proved to be a hindrance for the Formula 1 drivers as they could not go on their usual Thursday track walk.

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