All lovers of all things that are great, rejoice! Rejoice! For there is finally justice in the world. Celebratory donuts are now permitted in the mercurial realm that is Formula One. But only for the race winner.
Last year, the eventual season champ and winner of a ridiculous number of races, Sebastian Vettel, decided to light up what was left of his tires at the end of a few of his wins, starting with the Indian Grand Prix. This is because donuts are a traditional, right, and proper way to celebrate anything in the world. I did one once because I had a particularly good sandwich.
For his troubles, Vettel was given a fine each time, beginning with a €25,000 one. Fun.
While donuts have been permitted (and even encouraged) in NASCAR for years, F1's governing body, the FIA, has finally caught on to the glorious notion that is the automotive donut, and has amended Article 43.3 of its 2014 Sporting Regulations (via The F1 Times):
After receiving the end-of-race signal all cars must proceed on the circuit directly to the post race parc ferme without any unnecessary delay, without receiving any object whatsoever and without any assistance (except that of the marshals if necessary)," reads 43.3.
"An exception to Article 30.4 (which states a driver cannot stop on track without a justifiable reason) and to the above will be made for the winning driver who may perform an act of celebration before reaching parc ferme, provided any such act;
- Is performed safely and does not endanger other drivers or officials.
- Does not call into question the legality of his car.
- Does not delay the podium ceremony.
"Any classified car which cannot reach the post race parc ferme under its own power will be placed under the exclusive control of the marshals who will take the car to the parc ferme.
Finally, an F1 rule change that doesn't leave everyone scratching their heads.
I would congratulate Sebastian on his wonderful legal win, but rather, I think we should congratulate F1, and further than that, all of humanity. This is a great leap for all of us.
Photo credit: Getty