Track limits have sown chaos in Qatar
In addition to the overwhelming heat and unsuitable tires, track limits have added a bit more "nonsense" to this Qatar Grand Prix. Several drivers did not hesitate to complain about it.
The white lines have annoyed more than one. In the margins of this sprint weekend, we can’t even count the number of drivers penalized for exceeding the track limits.
« We are still bothered by this joke of track limits »
The ridiculous question around these rules generates a new controversy, a few weeks after the Austrian Grand Prix during which 86 infractions were recorded, the season’s record. In the paddock, drivers and team bosses are exasperated.
The masquerade began as early as Friday, during the qualifications for the Grand Prix. The two McLaren drivers, who were vying for the first line, thus saw their times erased several times, losing all hope. Oscar Piastri, originally third, even had the embarrassing experience of learning about his demotion to sixth place in the middle of the official top 3 interview.
Saturday, same story. The FIA decides, in order to preserve the tires, to modify the track limits around several turns, which has the effect of slightly reducing the track width at certain locations. Several drivers pay the price during the Sprint Shootout. Lance Stroll and Charles Leclerc will then both be penalized five seconds in the margins of the sprint race, losing them respectively two and six places.
« It’s not very nice to see that we are still embarrassed by this joke of track limits, but now I am worried about the race. There are gusts of wind that make it hard for the drivers to manage these critical 5 centimeters, » expressed Fred Vasseur, boss of Scuderia Ferrari.
51 infractions recorded during the Grand Prix
Sunday, no less than 51 offenses were recorded during the Grand Prix. Four drivers received a five-second penalty. Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez were punished three times while Lance Stroll and Alex Albon were sanctioned twice.
« “It’s a joke that they give penalties for that” », said the Canadian driver. « “They don’t understand what Formula 1 is nowadays. We are given penalties for track limits, the track is narrowed down and we are told we cannot drive on the curbs because the tires might give up if we do. The question of track limits really needs to be addressed.” »
« It’s not as if we gain an advantage when we get off the track by three millimeters, 60 laps of concentration at temperatures of 65-70 degrees in the car with five, six and a half G. »
The same mindset for Sergio Perez. The Red Bull driver assures that it was « impossible to see » from his single-seater. « For me, it was very difficult to evaluate, but there were drivers who were managing, so I don’t believe I did a good enough job in this regard.»
« But I also think it’s a joke, what we eventually did with the track limits. I find it really bad that we find a solution at the last minute and start giving penalties. »
