FIA Race Director Confirms Safety Car Test

FIA Race Director Confirms Safety Car Test at Italian GP

FIA race director Rui Marques has outlined the unique safety car procedure that Formula 1 implemented at the Italian Grand Prix weekend, aimed at testing marshalling systems under controlled conditions.

Formula 1 returned to the legendary Monza circuit on Friday for the 16th round of the 2025 season, and fans were treated to some surprises right from the opening sessions. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, who have been the subject of much speculation this year, made unexpected appearances in first practice. Despite their strong showing in the top five, it was McLaren’s Lando Norris who once again demonstrated impressive pace, topping the timesheets in FP2.

But while attention was largely focused on the star drivers, the FIA quietly conducted an important trial during both Friday sessions. Marques revealed in his pre-race event notes that a pre-planned Virtual Safety Car (VSC) deployment test would take place at the start of FP1 and FP2. This was not a reaction to an incident, but rather an intentional simulation designed to check the response of drivers and marshals.

The event notes explained: “At the beginning of both FP1 and FP2, when the first car exits the pit lane, a Virtual Safety Car will be deployed and double yellow flags will be shown in marshalling sectors one and two. After three cars have entered the track, the double yellow flag system will be cleared while the VSC remains active. Once a further three cars are on circuit, the VSC will also be cleared, officially completing the test. All drivers must adhere to the prescribed delta times associated with either the VSC or double yellow flags should they encounter them during the trial.”

The FIA confirmed on Friday evening that the system tests had been completed successfully, ensuring that marshals and drivers are prepared should the need for a safety car or VSC arise during the competitive sessions across the rest of the weekend.

Safety Car Concerns at Monza

The deliberate tests may prove prophetic, as Friday’s on-track action suggested that safety interventions could be frequent during the Italian Grand Prix. In FP1, the red flag was briefly deployed after Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar ran wide at the Ascari chicane and found himself stuck in the gravel trap. The interruption was short, with sweepers quickly clearing the circuit before practice resumed, but it highlighted how unforgiving Monza’s gravel-lined corners can be.

Later in the day, Mercedes teenager Kimi Antonelli suffered his own setback. The Italian lost control of his W16 at the second Lesmo corner in FP2, sliding into the gravel and ending his session prematurely. Although plenty of drivers had off-track moments thanks to loose gravel, Antonelli’s mistake was more costly. It marked the second consecutive weekend in which the 19-year-old has beached his car, following a similar incident at Zandvoort. With mounting pressure to perform on home soil, Antonelli faces a crucial challenge heading into qualifying and Sunday’s race.

A Tense Weekend Ahead

With the FIA’s safety car systems already trialed and proven on Friday, the governing body remains on high alert for potential interventions throughout the Italian GP. The combination of Monza’s high speeds, its historic gravel traps, and the eagerness of both rookies and seasoned champions is almost certain to test race control again before the weekend concludes.