Following Austin’s track limit issues, drivers propose solutions, debating gravel traps and permanent stewards for fairer racing conditions.
After the Austin Grand Prix, marked by Lando Norris’s penalized overtake on Max Verstappen, the paddock debate on how to avoid constant track-limit controversies continues.
Drivers criticize the abundance of rules and the inconsistency of stewards. In response, Mercedes F1’s George Russell has suggested the idea of permanent stewards. But would that be enough?
At Red Bull, Sergio Pérez doubts the feasibility of permanent stewards, citing… the expanding F1 calendar!
“With 24 races, I don’t think there’s a steward in the world willing to take on the role. Then it’s very complicated because, sometimes, two stewards might ultimately have differing opinions. We always feel like decisions go against us. But what goes around comes around. So it’s always tough to make the best decisions. In the end, it’s better to avoid issues altogether.”
Nico Hülkenberg suggests a solution to prevent such controversies at Austin’s Turn 12: gravel traps! However, this isn’t simple since MotoGP also races on this track…
“Like the last corner in Austria, we need natural obstacles…”
“Of course, adding a natural obstacle changes the turn’s dynamics. On street circuits, a wall makes a difference. And yes, like in most sports, there are grey areas. As I said, it’s often track-related. Austin, for example, frequently exposes these grey zones. So yes, it’s something to explore, especially for this corner and Turns 12 and 15. I didn’t analyze it too deeply since I was celebrating our weekend.”
“I was directly impacted by this in the race, so I watched the replay, and I believe there’s a rule that needs changing,” adds Pierre Gasly for Alpine F1.
Like others, the French driver points out an absurd rule—the apex rule—whose detrimental effects we detail here (see our article).
“This rule states that the driver with the front axle first at the apex has priority, but how much control do we actually have over the car at that point? Otherwise, it opens the door to reckless attacks, just to be ahead at the apex, even if the turn can’t be completed. But it causes other issues, with cars off track and priorities unpenalized. This rule needs revisiting to provide fairer battles.”
Leclerc wants penalties for repeat offenders
Involved in a fierce clash with Max Verstappen in Las Vegas last year, Charles Leclerc is less definitive.
“It’s a very complex topic, to be honest. I don’t have a perfect answer here. Common sense should be applied in certain situations. When a driver repeats the same behavior multiple times, action should be taken…”
Is he hinting more specifically at Max Verstappen? He leaves this point open.
“But we also need to preserve overtaking opportunities. What I saw in Austin was perhaps a bit extreme. The rules can never cover every scenario; sometimes, an experienced eye is needed for real-time judgment. No rule can precisely dictate how we should fight.”
“We’re increasingly involved in these discussions. During FIA briefings, we always try to suggest ideas, and they remain open, which is positive for racing.”
“We often focus on the attacker on the outside needing to be ahead at the apex, but the driver on the inside will release the brake to prevent that,” adds Guanyu Zhou.
“But if a driver can’t stay within limits, it’s complicated. There’s still a lack of consistency, and it’s challenging on circuits with large run-off areas. We discussed it after the weekend, and I think there will be further talks between drivers and the FIA.”
Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin F1’s reserve driver who will race in FP1 in Mexico, offers a more detached view on the issue.
“I can speak as an outside observer. It’s not easy to understand from inside the car. In the heat of the moment, you’re focused on overtaking or defending, not on ‘Am I ahead at the apex?’ I hope the rules are simplified. Sometimes, we’d just prefer gravel or grass on the outside, but safety comes first. It’s not easy for spectators either, but the rules will evolve and become clearer.”
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Austin Sparks Debate: Drivers Seek Track Limit Solutions Austin Sparks Debate: Drivers Seek Track Limit Solutions. f1 2024 Austin Sparks Debate: Drivers Seek Track Limit Solutions
