FIA holds its ground on track limit rules despite the recent controversy involving Lando Norris.
The FIA has rejected the notion of altering the enforcement of track limit rules. The issue arose last week when Lando Norris was penalised following a failed braking attempt, after which he conceded his position back to his rival, Max Verstappen, without gaining any advantage in the manoeuvre.
This was counted as one of the maximum three track limit exceedances allowed before a five-second penalty is imposed.
The British driver had urged the FIA to review the penalty criteria, but the federation published an even more flexible rule on the sidelines of this week’s British Grand Prix, allowing stewards to consider incidents on a subjective basis.
The FIA was approached by drivers to discuss this at Friday night’s briefing, but it explained that it is not customary to change rules mid-season based on a few isolated incidents.
In Austria, the FIA also modified the kerbs, which were reduced by 50 centimetres in width and bordered with gravel to prevent off-track excursions like last year. This decision was welcomed by Oscar Piastri, who had observed a similar situation in Shanghai.
“China was a very good example, we let the FIA know that not having kerbs wide enough for the entire car to leave the track was a very good thing for us,” stated the McLaren driver.
He believes that allowing drivers to touch the edge of the gravel traps without exceeding track limits adds to the spectacle: “In Austria, for example, even if you manage a pole lap by entering the gravel, I don’t think that should be penalised.”
“If you managed to achieve pole by making such an error, you clearly lost time. I don’t think you should be penalised. I think it makes the story even better.”
However, he believes that the track limits should be set before the kerb: “It’s a matter for discussion. I fully understand the FIA’s viewpoint that the white line must be respected, and I agree with it.”
His compatriot Daniel Ricciardo also praised the gravel outside the track: “I would say the only downside is that if you go off track, you end up dragging a ton of gravel onto the track. But I think there are more benefits than drawbacks.”
No Rule Change for Track Limits, FIA Confirms Post-Norris. No Rule Change for Track Limits, FIA Confirms Post-Norris
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