Last year Sebastian Vettel paid a hefty price for doing a few donuts after clinching his fourth consecutive Formula One World title at the Indian Grand Prix. The organising body didn’t think it was very funny and fined the young German for his antics. But it seems that the fans reaction to a driver showing some emotion post-race has led to a slight rethink of the rules.
For 2014 celebrations will be allowed, but only for the race winner. The amended rules read:
“After receiving the end-of-race signal all cars must proceed on the circuit directly to the post race parc fermé without any unnecessary delay, without receiving any object whatsoever and without any assistance (except that of the marshals if necessary).
“An exception… to the above will be made for the winning driver who may perform an act of celebration before reaching parc fermé, provided any such act:
a) Is performed safely and does not endanger other drivers or any officials.
b) Does not call into question the legality of his car.
c) Does not delay the podium ceremony.”
So, expect a few more smoky celebrations from race winners through this year.
