Suspension of a Starting Procedure

In Simple Terms

If track conditions become too dangerous after the safety car formation laps have started, race control can suspend the start by sending a 'STARTING PROCEDURE SUSPENDED' message to all teams and displaying red flags. This gives officials time to assess whether it's safe to begin the race.

• The suspension can happen anytime after formation laps behind the safety car begin
• Track conditions must be deemed unsuitable for racing to trigger this rule
• Race control communicates the suspension via official message and red flag signals
• This is a precautionary measure to ensure driver safety before the race start