Inside Race Control’s Switch to VSC then Safety Car at F1 Imola GP

The 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola featured two incidents that seemed similar but prompted different responses from Formula 1 race control.

On lap 29, Esteban Ocon parked his Haas on the grass between Turns 7 and 8 due to a technical failure. Race control deployed the Virtual Safety Car (VSC), which slows all cars on track and allows marshals to safely remove the car while mostly maintaining positions. For a deeper understanding of VSC protocols, refer to the FIA’s official regulations.

Ocon’s location was ideal for a quick recovery. He stopped near a guardrail opening, and since his was the first retired car there, marshals worked quickly.

The VSC lasted just three minutes and 40 seconds before racing resumed.

Later, on lap 46, Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes stopped on the grass closer to Turn 8 because of a mechanical problem. Instead of a VSC, the safety car was deployed.

Many viewers wondered why race control changed their approach, especially since Max Verstappen was leading and a safety car would erase his advantage. Race control’s decision was based on unique factors.

The spot where Ocon’s car was recovered was now occupied, so Antonelli’s car had to be moved to a different exit. The next available gap was between Turns 8 and 9, a section that goes uphill.

Moving a car uphill on grass is more challenging and often requires outside assistance. A recovery vehicle was needed to transport Antonelli’s car safely, necessitating a full safety car intervention. For insights into track recovery procedures, see this MIT Motorsports Engineering analysis.

Unlike the VSC, a safety car deployment takes longer and involves more steps. The safety car groups the field, protects marshals, and allows lapped cars like Oliver Bearman to rejoin the lead lap.

The track stayed under the safety car for about 14 minutes, covering eight laps before racing resumed.

These incidents highlight how race officials consider specific details before making decisions. Factors like recovery speed, car location, and track layout all influence the response. For further reading on race control decision-making, check out Wikipedia’s Formula 1 safety measures.

What seems straightforward on TV may be more complex in practice. Ocon’s issue was cleared quickly, while Antonelli’s position and the track gradient required greater support for safety.

Imola’s tight corners and grassy run-offs mean quick access points can fill up fast and conditions can change rapidly. Decisions at this Grand Prix showed how split-second calls depend on momentary circumstances rather than fixed rules.

Fans and teams may question these decisions, particularly when they affect the race outcome. However, the priority is always trackside safety and fair racing.

The 2025 Imola weekend reminded everyone that similar incidents can need different solutions, keeping drivers, teams, and spectators alert for the unexpected. For more on incidents during the event, see the coverage of the Imola GP Tsunoda crash.

Technical failures such as Ocon’s are not uncommon at Imola, with analysis available on the Pirelli C6 Imola failure.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.