Monaco GP practice: Haas drivers issued rare black flag order

The rarely-used flagged message is often associated with a possible disqualification but Haas maintains that the FIA stepped in after a communications failure with the drivers.

Published : May 23, 2019 20:44 IST , Monte Carlo (Monaco)

Haas' Romain Grosjean during practice
Haas' Romain Grosjean during practice
lightbox-info

Haas' Romain Grosjean during practice

Haas drivers Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen were both shown a black flag after 20 minutes of Thursday's opening free practice at the Monaco Grand Prix.

The two returned immediately to the pits obeying the rarely-used flagged message which is one of the most serious and often associated with a possible disqualification.

READ | Hamilton heads to Monaco with heavy heart after loss of Lauda

However, Haas explained that it was less alarming than feared and said that the sport's ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), had acted on their behalf after the team suffered a communications failure.

In a message, Haas said: “Telemetry and radio issue.... We cannot communicate with drivers. FIA stepped in so we could get cars back to the pits as the pit boards weren't doing the business.”

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment