Speed is limited through the delta
The Virtual Safety Car requires drivers to respect a minimum reference time in the specified segments. They monitor information on the dashboard to avoid driving too quickly. They do not need to gather behind a Safety Car.
The difference from a Safety Car
The VSC is not intended to bunch up the field. Gaps are preserved more closely than under a conventional Safety Car, although variations can occur. Overtaking is generally prohibited and the restart is controlled through the official procedure.
What it means for pit stops
Stopping under a VSC may reduce the relative time lost in the pits. The team must nevertheless estimate whether the neutralisation will continue when the driver enters and exits. Not every VSC stop is an obvious choice.
