Wolff believes recent penalties will change driver behavior, particularly curbing Verstappen’s aggressive racing style in future battles.
Toto Wolff is not surprised to see drivers like Max Verstappen constantly pushing the limits of Formula 1 regulations. However, the Mercedes F1 team principal is convinced that the penalties handed to the three-time world champion in Mexico will influence how drivers approach on-track battles.
“A driver will always push the limits, and when the rules or their interpretation allow a certain way of racing, a driver like Max will always exploit it. Today, there was a new interpretation and a new enforcement of these rules, and I think this will change how everyone races in the future, and you won’t see that anymore,” Wolff stated.
He is confident that drivers will need to be more cautious following the FIA’s actions: “I think this has set a precedent. And I believe that from now on, you probably have to leave space on the outside of the corner if the car is alongside you.”
“Or at the same level. And late braking, pushing the other car off the track while driving off the track yourself, I think that’s no longer allowed. I think it’s no longer permitted. And I think that’s good for racing.”
“I believe the stewards have decided they no longer want to see drivers pushing each other off the track. This will now be the new standard. All drivers will be very aware that if you do this, you risk a 5- or 10-second penalty.”
A “precedent” to improve on-track respect?
Wolff is convinced that this tough decision will set a precedent that will calm drivers: “You know, I always say that drivers, the people who drive race cars, know exactly, and many are experts—they know exactly what has happened.”
“You know when someone releases the brake too late and takes you into the corner, pushing you wide. From the early days of karting, you know that you won’t survive on the outside if you’re not ahead. So, I think the rules are quite clear. And the drivers know it.”
“But as I’ve said before, everyone tries to push the boundaries. If you get away with it, that becomes the new limit. Will this change things? Absolutely. I think there is now a precedent. And I think there were other penalties in this race as well.”
According to Wolff, the stewards’ leniency encouraged Verstappen’s behavior: “I think back then, certain stewards had their opinion, and the fact that he wasn’t penalized legitimized it. It’s quite fair to have a driver who races within the rules and uses all the leeway allowed by the stewards.”
A “gray area,” according to Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton was the first to consistently push Verstappen to breach the rules during the 2021 season. The Briton laments that the Red Bull driver often managed to escape penalties.
“It has always been a gray area. That’s why he got away with it for so long. I’ve experienced it several times with Max. You shouldn’t be able to dive inside, take the lead, then go off track and keep your position,” explained the seven-time world champion.
When he saw the dust in Turn 8, where Verstappen pushed Lando Norris off track, Hamilton revealed that he was certain his former title rival was involved in the incident.
“I didn’t see it. I could see a bunch of cars ahead of me, and I saw a plume of smoke, like dust, and I knew it was—I knew it was Max,” he stated, before concluding with a laugh: “It was definitely him.”
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Penalties Set to Rein in Verstappen’s Aggressive Tactics Penalties Set to Rein in Verstappen’s Aggressive Tactics
