Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, two prominent Formula 1 drivers, have offered their ideas on how to address the issue of enforcing track limits. The topic of track limits has been a major point of discussion during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, particularly due to a large number of laps being deleted during Friday’s qualifying session.
Verstappen expressed his frustration with the current enforcement of track limits, stating that it makes the drivers look like amateurs when so many laps are deleted. He suggested using a wider white line instead of a narrow one to give drivers more room and visibility. Verstappen also acknowledged the challenge of finding a solution, considering the need to accommodate other championships like MotoGP that share the same tracks.
Leclerc, on the other hand, proposed using the kerbs as track limits. He emphasized that the kerbs provide a tangible reference point for drivers and can be felt when driving over them. He cited the previous use of red and white kerbs, which worked well in the past.
Both drivers highlighted the difficulty of judging track limits, especially in certain corners and at high speeds. They also mentioned the issue of visibility, as drivers cannot see the white lines from inside the car. They called for more leniency and margin in tracks where judging track limits is particularly challenging.
Carlos Sainz echoed Leclerc’s sentiments and emphasized the need for a clear definition of track limits that considers whether a driver gains an advantage by going beyond them. He also raised concerns about the time taken by the FIA to decide on track limit violations during qualifying, which can impact a driver’s strategy and tire usage.
The drivers expressed their hope for collaboration and finding a solution to the track limits issue, emphasizing the importance of addressing it for the progress and fairness of the sport. They acknowledged that discussions and improvements are ongoing, and they trust that the FIA will continue to work towards a resolution.
Track limits enforcement has been a recurring topic in Formula 1, and the input from drivers like Verstappen, Leclerc, and Sainz provides valuable insights into potential solutions for a fair and consistent approach.
