Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle has called on the FIA to change its safety car procedures after the British Grand Prix ended under caution at Silverstone.
The race appeared headed for a close finish with Charles Leclerc leading and Kimi Antonelli closing in during the final laps. On lap 48 of 52, a safety car was deployed after Max Verstappen became beached in the gravel at Stowe corner.
The race concluded under safety car conditions following an unlapping procedure on lap 51 that allowed eligible cars to pass the leaders. Brundle argued in his Sky Sports F1 column that the process extends caution periods unnecessarily on long circuits.
Brundle suggested three alternatives. These include directing lapped cars into the pit lane as in IndyCar when fewer than 10 laps remain, requiring lapped runners to drop behind the pack, or issuing a red flag for a standing restart.
He noted the current approach prioritises backmarkers over leaders and fans, referencing past incidents including the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
