Paul Ricard unsure over Mistral chicane axe

Paul Ricard boss Stephane Clair sounds unsure about whether the French Grand Prix venue should axe its controversial 'Mistral chicane'.

Many drivers called on the FIA and circuit officials to leave the long Mistral straight unimpeded next year for a high-speed spectacle and extra character.


The FIA has vowed to consider the idea but thinks the chicane actually inspired many overtaking moves in Sunday's race.

"Whoever had the idea of the chicane did not have a bad idea, given the amount of overtaking," Clair told France's Auto Hebdo.

"And the spectators who were there told us 'Well played', because it was one of the most important places of the race.

"Looking back, I think we were right to insist and believe in our ideas and analysis," he added.

A much bigger problem at Paul Ricard last weekend was the traffic jams, with many fans actually doing a u-turn in the queue rather than wait to enter the circuit.

Clair said it will all be discussed with the FIA, but he said Paul Ricard is actually not responsible for the roads.

"We are waiting for this sequence of three grands prix to end before meeting again and discussing," he said. "We will listen."

Replies (2)

Login to reply
  • Leave it. A much longer straight will only benefit Ferrari and Mercedes powered cars, and it was clear that they didnt need much more help on this track.

    • + 0
    • Jun 28 2018 - 07:51
    • f1ski

      Posts: 726

      agreed more passing there than down the straight

      • + 0
      • Jun 28 2018 - 20:35

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule
show sidebar