F1 drivers given qualifying warning for Azerbaijan Grand Prix

FIA race director Michael Masi has warned drivers about creating a gap in practice and qualifying after the de facto final corner to avoid an unnecessary incident.

The layout at the Baku City Circuit means that after what is essentially the final corner, three marked turns actually remain, although all three are taken flat out at full throttle.

As drivers always aim to create a sufficient gap to the car ahead before beginning a flying lap, Masi has outlined in his race director's event notes that drivers will be reported for creating a gap after the final braking zone at turn 16.

The event briefing states: "During any practice session, any driver intending to create a gap in front of him in order to get a clear lap should not attempt to do this between the entry to turn 17 through to the exit of turn 20.

"Any driver seen to have done this will be reported to the stewards as being in breach of article 27.4 of the sporting regulations."

Article 27.4 of the sporting regulations indicates that "at no time may a car be driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically or in a manner which could be deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers or any other person."

Masi has also highlighted to the drivers that erratic driving will also not be tolerated.

The notes add that: "For reasons of safety, during each practice session, acts such as weaving across the track to hinder another car may be referred to the stewards.

"During free practice session three and the qualifying practice, the time published in accordance with item eight of the race director's event notes will be used as a guide by the stewards to determine if a driver is considered to be driving unnecessarily slowly on an out lap or any other lap that is not a fast lap or in lap."

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