FIA explains decision to avoid safety car after Bottas’ late Baku crash

The FIA has clarified why no safety car was deployed after Valtteri Bottas crashed on the final lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Bottas hit the barrier at Turn 15, leaving his damaged Cadillac on the track, but race control opted to use double waved yellow flags rather than neutralise the race. According to an FIA spokesperson, the corner’s low speed and the ability for drivers to cut the apex meant the “isolated incident” could be safely handled without intervention.

The decision allowed George Russell and Max Verstappen to continue their fight for victory, producing the closest finish since Austria 2002. Bottas later revealed a technical issue “confused” his car’s systems, causing the crash.

Stewards investigated Bottas for remaining near his car but ruled no further action was necessary, noting limited danger and his commitment to act more promptly in future. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix had already featured two earlier safety car periods.