What is right to review in F1?
The right to review is often used by teams to redress any decisions made by race control.
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The collision between Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz at the Australian GP
Carlos Sainz lost out on a podium finish at the 2023 Australian GP as the Spanish driver was given a five-second time penalty for a collision with fellow countryman Fernando Alonso. Sainz lost out on points completely as the Safety Car bunched up the pack during the last two laps of the race. Ferrari appealed for a right to review this decision following the race.
This brings the question, What is the right to review in F1? An F1 team can request a right of review to any decision made by race control as per the FIA’s International Sporting Code. As per Article 14 of the sporting code, teams can call for the right of review up to 14 days after the ruling was made by the stewards, if “a significant and relevant new element is discovered which was unavailable to the parties seeking the review at the time of the decision concerned”.
This, in turn, refers that a team can ask for a review of any decision made by race control. However, the team must provide evidence that would add substantially to the discussion. If a team fails to provide relevant information, then its appeal for a right to review can be dismissed. In the past, stewards have dismissed multiple such cases, such as Aston Martin’s bid after Sebastian Vettel was disqualified at the 2021 Hungarian GP.
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The right to review applies to all championships under the FIA
Since the right to review is laid down in the FIA’s International Sporting Code, all series governed by the body must allow for the same. Although this is prescribed as a necessary and integral part of the rules. The right to review is usually used for exceptional cases. This right provides the teams to ensure that justice is served regarding any decisions.
The right to review allows teams to ask for the redressal of decisions and provide relevant evidence that might not have been available previously. The 14-day provision allows competitors to procure the needed information. Sometimes, the right to review works in favor of the petitioners, as Fernando Alonso got his podium reinstated at the Saudi Arabian GP. This led to George Russell dropping back to fourth place.
Thus, the right to review is a crucial aspect of sporting regulations. Teams get the opportunity to challenge a decision that may seem unfit if they possess relevant evidence. Although, this is a last resort used only when the competitors are completely confident about their case. Yet, the stewards can elect not to review the appeal, and the original decision would remain in such a scenario.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2310 Articles Published)