P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The 1994 season was marred by tragedy and controversy in Formula 1, none more so for everyone’s favourite pantomime villains Benetton. RacingNews365 takes a look at two scandals that characterised their year.
The fire at the 1994 German Grand Prix was caused by a fuel spillage during a pit stop, due to a valve in Benetton’s refuelling rig failing to close because of a “foreign body.” Benetton had removed a filter that was designed to prevent spillage, in order to increase their fuel flow rate and gain an advantage. However, no further action was taken as it was deemed unintentional. Allegations of Benetton using traction control also emerged during that season, and an investigation was conducted by the FIA. Both Benetton and McLaren were fined for failing to provide copies of their engine management system source code on time. A “launch control” system was found in Benetton’s software, but they claimed it couldn’t be activated by Schumacher. The FIA had no proof and no further action was taken. The incident prompted changes in regulations, allowing certain driver aids but with stricter monitoring and control.
