Gravel Returns to F1 Circuits: Drivers Rejoice

Formula 1 drivers are celebrating the return of gravel run-offs at Imola. Lando Norris and others express their satisfaction with this change, hoping it will extend to other circuits.

Formula 1 drivers are pleased with the return of gravel to circuits, as Imola has reverted from asphalt run-offs in several corners. Lando Norris doesn’t understand why it was deemed impossible before, but the McLaren F1 driver is happy about the change.

“I feel like we’re going back to the situation from six or seven years ago. I don’t know why they put down asphalt. They said it was impossible to go back, and now we’re back to the previous situation,” notes Norris, who is also pleased with the decision to widen the white lines in several corners.

“When you try to drive and look at where the white line is relative to your tire and guess, it’s something we shouldn’t have to think about. So it’s more up to the driver to take the risk and commit to the corners. Especially on a track like this. We need to fully commit. It’s a bit of risk and reward.”

Max Verstappen shares this view: “It’s great, you know you’re punished if you go wide. And you don’t need to wonder if the tire is in the white line or not, thanks to the changes we made with the FIA to paint wider lines.”

Oscar Piastri hopes this is the start of a trend that could spread to other circuits: “For us, it’s a good thing, and I think China is a very similar example. They’ve added more gravel, and we were very happy with that work. So I think we’d be happy to see it on other circuits.”

“It makes things a bit more difficult because the risk is higher. But we have track limits everywhere we go, so there’s always a risk, even if it’s a bit different. On one hand, you end up in the gravel, which ruins your lap or your car, and on the other hand, you go a bit wide but also ruin your lap. It’s a different kind of risk.”

“Here, with some of the changes to the white line with the FIA, we don’t have to worry about whether we’re on or off the track. We know exactly if we’re inside or outside. And for us, that’s more satisfying and easier. So I think this change has been beneficial overnight.”