WATCH: Stray dogs red flagged Formula 4 race in Chennai, risks safety of young F4 drivers

The recent Formula 4 (F4) night race in Chennai, touted as a significant milestone for Indian motorsport, was marred by several avoidable issues, the most glaring of which was the presence of stray dogs on the track. The race, which took place at the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit, a street circuit set up on Island Grounds and adjacent streets, had to be red-flagged due to the unexpected appearance of a stray dog on the racing surface.

Here is the video: 

ஃபார்முலா 4 கார் ரேஸ் நடக்கும் சாலையில் திடீரென குறுக்கே வந்த நாயால் பரபரப்பு..!#Chennai | #CarRace | #FIA | #Formula4Chennai | #FormulaCarRacing | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/Ol6D91fdiV

— Polimer News (@polimernews) August 31, 2024

This incident highlighted the city’s lack of preparedness for hosting such a high-profile event. Despite the excitement surrounding the first-ever F4 night race in India, the event faced multiple challenges from the start. Saturday’s practice sessions were plagued by numerous delays, partly due to safety concerns that prevented the track from receiving its formal FIA license until the last possible moment. 

On Sunday, the track was not ready until an hour after the scheduled start time, causing further delays. The race began under the supervision of a safety car after an incident involving driver Zakariya Mohammed. However, the most significant disruption occurred when a stray dog wandered onto the track, forcing officials to halt the race. Although the race eventually resumed, the presence of animals on the circuit underscored the inherent dangers and organizational shortcomings of hosting a street race in a city like Chennai.

Turn 19 turns out to be disastrous!

The safety risks did not end with the stray dog incident. The problematic Turn 19, which had already been a point of contention for issuing the track's license, continued to trouble drivers. An accident on lap 10 involving two cars led to another red flag, with only three minutes remaining in the race. These incidents, though briefly mentioned in news reports, revealed deeper issues with the event's organization and the city’s infrastructure.

The decision to hold the race despite these challenges reflects a lack of understanding of the complexities involved in organizing motorsport events. Unlike other sports, racing requires strict adherence to safety protocols and careful consideration of the surrounding environment. The incident with the stray dog not only jeopardized the safety of the young F4 drivers but also served as a reminder of the gap between the city’s reality and the ambitious goals of its organizers.