The FIA has penalized Alexander Albon following the Sprint qualifying session at the Miami GP. The Williams driver exceeded track limits at Turn 6 during SQ1. Although the infringement was not reported at the time, the stewards acted afterwards, deleting his fast lap and all times from SQ2. This modifies the starting grid for the Sprint race.
Track limit control and its impact on performance 🏎️
The technology of sensors and cameras on circuits like Miami allows for the detection of millimeter-scale infringements. At Turn 6, the curb and the white line are the limit. Albon, by going off with all four wheels, lost his best lap. This system, although precise, generates delays in decisions, as happened on this occasion. The penalty directly affects Williams' strategy, which will now start from rear positions.
The karma of trying to cut corners in Miami 😅
Albon thought a small deviation at Turn 6 would give him an advantage. The FIA thought differently, and rightly so. Now, the Thai driver will have to watch the Sprint from the back, while other drivers rub their hands together. Good thing the sun is hot in Miami, because the track for Albon has turned cold and lonely. Still, at least he'll enjoy the scenery from afar.