Rosenqvist, Power Urge IndyCar to Update Lapped Traffic Rules

Felix Rosenqvist finished second in Sunday’s Grand Prix of Portland, but was quick to make his voice heard in post-race interviews. The Swede was backed up by lapped cars at one point, and he was less angry at the drivers racing him than disappointed that IndyCar’s rules do not require them to move aside when the leaders come through.

“Some stints we looked really good,” said Felix Rosenqvist. “The last one we were struggling a little bit. Yeah, it’s hard to pass. Yeah, from there it was just like a lapped car race, I guess. Sometimes you’re gaining three seconds because of a lap car, the next time you lose three seconds.”

Rosenqvist stressed that he did not think he would have won anyway, but insisted it was “kind of time for us as a series to grow up and not have the lapped car situation.” He added, “When you work hard and all of a sudden you lose five seconds behind a lapped car, I don’t think it’s right. I don’t think anyone wants to see that.”

Baca JugaRosenqvist dan Power Desak IndyCar Perbarui Aturan Mobil Terlambat

His comments drew immediate support from Will Power, who sat alongside him on the podium. The veteran has long advocated for a stronger blue flag rule in IndyCar. On Sunday, Power inadvertently stayed out an extra lap after a radio issue, then got stuck behind Sting Ray Robb, who fought hard to keep him back through Turn 10.

With his usual blend of humor and candor, Power agreed it was long past time for change. “Yes, I agree with that. I mean, I’ve said it forever. It’s kind of ridiculous we have a 1970’s rule going on. ‘But we’ve always done that.’ Yeah, it’s a little bit different now. Drives me crazy all these cars. If IndyCar won’t do anything, I think all the drivers get together and have a gentlemen’s agreement.”

The debate over lapped cars has surfaced repeatedly in recent years without major rule changes. The criticism from Rosenqvist and Power adds fresh pressure on IndyCar to address the issue.