FIA Probes Ferrari Pit Board Message After Bahrain GP
The FIA is investigating whether Ferrari’s coded pit board message in Bahrain breached Formula One’s tightened radio and communication rules.
The FIA is reviewing a coded message displayed by Ferrari on its pit board during the Bahrain Grand Prix, after a rival team raised concerns that it may have breached Formula One’s stricter communication rules.
The clampdown, introduced for the 2016 season, restricts what teams can communicate to drivers via radio, dashboard displays and pit boards. The intention is to ensure drivers operate more independently, with teams limited to safety-critical and basic information. According to the FIA’s Charlie Whiting, the governing body monitors all forms of team-to-driver communication, including pit boards, for possible circumvention of the rules.
Details of the Bahrain pit board incident
During the Bahrain race weekend, Ferrari displayed the message '3.2-LFS6-P1' on its pit board. A rival team photographed the message and presented it to the FIA, suggesting it could be a coded instruction beyond what is permitted under the new clampdown. The FIA has not commented on the content or meaning of the message but confirmed it is investigating whether the communication complied with the regulations.
Implications for teams and future races
If the FIA finds that Ferrari’s message broke the rules, the team could face sanctions or a formal warning. The outcome could also prompt a review of how teams use coded language on pit boards, as the governing body seeks to close any remaining loopholes. Rival teams and drivers will be watching closely for clarification ahead of the next round.
The investigation comes as Formula One teams continue to adapt to the communication clampdown, with ongoing scrutiny over how information is passed to drivers during races. The FIA’s response to this case may influence how strictly the rules are enforced for the rest of the season.
