The use of flame-retardant underwear has been the subject of much talk in recent Grand Prix weekends due to the measures adopted by the new FIA race director, Niels Wittich .
Following the International Sporting Code to the letter, the person responsible for safety on the Formula 1 circuits has asked the drivers not to wear their normal clothes or any type of piercing or jewelery while driving as a precautionary measure in case of fire.
The issue of potentially flammable undergarments came up again on Friday at the usual meeting of team principals at the Miami Grand Prix. Several drivers expressed frustration at the approach to the subject, and before the first free practice, Sebastian Vettel wore his Puma boxer shorts over his racing suit as he strolled through the paddock, in true Superman fashion .
Asked by Motorsport.com if his appearance was in the form of a protest against the rule, the GPDA director said: “It was just a joke, I don’t care, but it’s funny that we keep talking about it.”
Meanwhile, Vettel had a low-key day at the new Miami track, finishing the second free practice in 14th position after a slight mistake that ended in a late-spin.
“It’s a tricky circuit, I think we can still adjust our car, we have to adjust a bit more, but I think it’s a fun place, it’s very fast,” said the Aston Martin driver.
“There are a lot of straights, most of it is quite blind, which makes traffic very difficult,” he said. “I think the race will be difficult and, on the other hand, there is the asphalt, which is breaking down, the patches they have put in work well.”
“Like everyone else, obviously we would like to do more laps, especially when the track is new.”
Vettel warned that overtaking might not be as easy as anticipated: “If we want to race, we have to be able to go from side to side, and at the moment, it’s like there’s only one line, but overall it’s a lot of fun.”
The German hopes to make it through to Q2 in qualifying on Saturday: “If I feel comfortable in the car, I think there is more to squeeze out of it, but it’s probably something most drivers will say after the first day here. “.
“That would be crucial, and then I think we can improve a little bit. We may be in the top 10 or 15, that’s realistic, but I would expect it to be more than that,” said the four-time world champion.
