Formula 1 fans blast ‘ridiculous’ FIA rule change ahead of Australian Grand Prix

The latest rule change announced by Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has left fans fuming ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.

Throughout the long history of F1, teams’ pit crews often would climb onto the pit wall fencing to cheer home their drivers.

However, ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the FIA's race director Niels Wittich has reminded teams up and down the paddock that climbing on the pit wall is in fact prohibited.

Wittich said in his pre-weekend event safety notes: “It is forbidden to climb on the pit wall debris fence at any time.”

In the FIA’s International Sporting Code, it says: “The pit wall signalling platform should be forbidden to all except authorised officials or race team personnel, having a special pass.

“It is forbidden for personnel to climb on pit wall debris fences at any time.

“Any action by a team breaching this ban will be reported to the stewards.”

It has also been reported that any team found guilty of breaking that rule could face a penalty.

Fans were quick to slam the decision on social media.

One said: “This is just beyond ridiculous, it seems the FIA have ran out of things to ban.”

Another tweeted: “They are killing this sport!”

A third added: “They are taking all of the fun from the sport.”

Someone else wrote: “Jesus Christ, why do that hate the concept of joy?”

Whilst a fifth commented: “The only thing the FIA can make it's mind up on is making sure no one has any fun!”

Ahead of this weekend’s race, the expectation is that Red Bull will once again dominate the rest of the grid.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen will be hoping to get back on top of the podium after losing out to teammate Sergio Perez last time out in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Mexican driver Perez has spoken about having the team’s support to challenge Verstappen.

He said: “I can now say that I really feel part of the team, have my place and am well respected.

“I really believe I have the team's full support, as much as Max does, and that I will have every opportunity to win the championship, as much as Max.”

Who do you think will win the Australian Grand Prix? Let us know in the comments.