Verstappen Ready to Adapt as FIA Reviews Driving Rules

Verstappen Ready to Adapt as FIA Reviews Driving Rules

27/10/2024

Max Verstappen remains open to adapting as drivers and FIA engage in productive discussions on refining track limits and driving regulations.

The drivers are set to discuss with the FIA matters concerning on-track battles, adherence to track limits, and potential modifications to the contentious apex rule. Carlos Sainz welcomes the federation’s willingness to engage with the drivers and teams on these topics.

“I believe the meeting was positive and productive. Many drivers voiced their opinions on each situation and what we think is the best way forward,” the Ferrari driver noted.

“Yes, the way you interpret the rules and the driving guidelines the stewards will use to apply penalties, those remain the same for this weekend, and I believe they will likely be enforced in the same manner.”

“But, yes, I think the meeting was productive, and I believe that in Qatar, we will have solutions that, hopefully, will provide a better understanding for the drivers and improve the racing overall. I hope it will be better.”

When asked about his views on the upcoming changes, Max Verstappen made it clear he would comply with any new regulations: “I think Carlos explained it perfectly. If there are new rules, I will adapt, as always. There’s no need for concern.”

For Charles Leclerc, it is crucial to see that the drivers are open to changes to achieve clearer rules: “I won’t go into the specifics of what was discussed inside, but we are all ready to improve some of the scenarios we saw in Austin.”

“Because I don’t think we were all aligned on that. However, the FIA has been very open to discussion, and I think they have acknowledged that some changes are needed.”

“In the future, we will try to help them make better decisions and to have circuits that perhaps do not allow as much controversy as Austin. Because if there is a gravel trap or a kerb in certain corners, it would make life easier for everyone, but that’s just the way it is.”

Lando Norris points out that a rule already exists against Verstappen

It’s said that this initial preliminary meeting between the drivers was heated, particularly between Lando Norris and Verstappen, with the Briton criticising his rival’s tactics: “Max wouldn’t have been ahead of me at the apex if he had braked properly and stayed on the track.”

“Many other drivers and teams disagreed with his driving as well. Some pointed out that the rule prohibiting forcing another driver off the track could still apply in such cases. Even though the guidelines are in place today, it shouldn’t be allowed to force another driver off the track.”

“In other words, there is a clear and demonstrable distinction between taking a corner in an acceptable manner and approaching a corner with the primary intention of pushing another driver off the track.”

“In the end, it’s understood that the rules will never be perfect. The aim is to strengthen the wording and try to better define the guidelines. Let’s see what the FIA brings forward to address this situation.”

The president of the Drivers’ Association, Alex Wurz, has also shared his perspective. The Austrian believes that the FIA still needs to improve the consistency of its decisions: “We appreciate having a conversation aimed at making decisions more consistent.”

“There is already some consistency, but collectively we see room for improvement. No one wants to see too many rules, and we all want to see good racing. The general sentiment is that we will improve the guidelines for 2025.”

Productive Talks Signal Change in FIA Track Limit Rules

Productive Talks Signal Change in FIA Track Limit Rules Productive Talks Signal Change in FIA Track Limit Rules

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Full 2025 F1 testing results

Carlos Sainz
1
CARLOS
SAINZ
Leader
Lewis Hamilton
2
LEWIS
HAMILTON
+0.031s
Charles Leclerc
3
CHARLES
LECLERC
+0.083s
George Russell
4
GEORGE
RUSSELL
+0.197s
Max Verstappen
5
MAX
VERSTAPPEN
+0.218s
Alex Albon
6
ALEX
ALBON
+0.302s
Kimi Antonelli
7
KIMI
ANTONELLI
+0.436s
Oscar Piastri
8
OSCAR
PIASTRI
+0.592s
Pierre Gasly
9
PIERRE
GASLY
+0.692s
Lance Stroll
10
LANCE
STROLL
+0.881s
Liam Lawson
11
LIAM
LAWSON
+0.904s
Jack Doohan
12
JACK
DOOHAN
+1.020s
Yuki Tsunoda
13
YUKI
TSUNODA
+1.149s
Isack Hadjar
14
ISACK
HADJAR
+1.327s
Fernando Alonso
15
FERNANDO
ALONSO
+1.352s
Esteban Ocon
16
ESTEBAN
OCON
+1.380s
Lando Norris
17
LANDO
NORRIS
+1.534s
Gabriel Bortoleto
18
GABRIEL
BORTOLETO
+1.709s
Nico Hulkenberg
19
NICO
HULKENBERG
+2.109s
Oliver Bearman
20
OLIVER
BEARMAN
+3.013s

Testing Total Distance Covered by Team

1
Mercedes
458
2
Haas
457
3
Racing Bulls
454
4
Alpine
405
5
Williams
395
6
Ferrari
382
7
McLaren
381
8
Sauber
354
9
Aston Martin
306
10
Red Bull
304
Race Center
Australia Flag
Australian GP
13 Mar - 16 Mar
FP1
14 MAR 01:30
FP2
14 MAR 05:00
FP3
15 MAR 01:30
QU
15 MAR 05:00
RACE
16 MAR 04:00
F1 CALENDAR 2025
Race
Date
Australian Flag
Australian
Albert Park
16 Mar
Chinese Flag
Chinese
Shanghai International
23 Mar
Japanese Flag
Japanese
Suzuka Circuit
6 Apr
Bahrain Flag
Bahrain
Sakhir desert
13 Apr
Saudi Arabia Flag
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street
20 Apr
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