A lot of questions were raised during the final stages of the British Grand Prix, when drivers crossed the finish line behind the safety car. The FIA shortly responded afterwards that it was due to a software error. 

After Max Verstappen’s car was recovered and taken away by the stewards, the FIA allowed lapped cars to overtake, which indicated that the safety car would leave the track soon and that a one-lap restart would take place. However, the safety car stayed out, and that is how the race ended. 

This is what the FIA told Autosport: “The Safety Car period regulation, Article B5. 13.5, states that one lap must be completed following the unlapping procedure. This process was followed by Race Operations. The ‘Safety Car In This Lap’ message was displayed erroneously due to a software error.”

Fans, however, are not pleased with the FIA’s explanation of the same, with the common understanding being that the governing body is bending rules for its convenience.

One user on X referenced the driver parade before the race, where Mohammed Ben Sulayem was given a normal go-kart, in comparison to the Lego karts for the drivers. 

Another user added, “Nope. This is F1 and FIA doing what they do best. Rigging it all.”

Another user pointed out the absurdity of the situation, stating there was no need for software to determine how many laps were left. They said, “Software? Doesn’t take a computer to work out how many laps remain. F1 at its best.”

One more user said, “Hmm, almost like we should let actually RACERS run the show.

"Not AI. Not software. No Batteries.”

Another user referenced the controversial 2021 finale, saying, “Utter Bollocks, same garbage they tried when they denied Lewis his 8th title!!”

How Charles Leclerc got his first win in 2026 and what prompted the safety car

Leclerc escaped a late-race attack from Antonelli, who first pitted to replace the front wing on his car, as he complained that something was wrong. However, it later emerged that the issue was actually a broken left-side wheel shield, causing severe handling issues. The Mercedes driver then pitted again but fell further, eventually finishing P15. 

Meanwhile, the trio of George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen were also engaged in a separate battle. It was initially between Russell and Hamilton, which gave Verstappen some breathing space at P3.

While Russell eventually came out on top, he suffered a slow puncture but still passed Verstappen. He did eventually pit another lap later. 

Hamilton then made moves on Verstappen, but then pitted to serve his 5-second penalty for a late start. Meanwhile, the Dutchman was looking set to claim another podium finish, but then abruptly lost control of his car and went into the gravel, forcing him out of the race with six laps to go.

This prompted the Safety car, which continued till the end of the race. 

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Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason