Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc call for leniency on new qualifying rule

Since the Italian Grand Prix, Formula 1 has made new regulatory changes. During this race, the minimum race time evolved. The objective is to prevent a too large speed differential during qualification sessions. In Monza, known as the temple of speed, the single-seaters quickly gain speed and drive the counters crazy, especially on the straight start line.

During the Italian Grand Prix, this rule change was intended to prevent excessively high approach speeds. In qualifying, drivers often reduce their speed to let certain single-seaters pass and take advantage of a draft. However, it happens that two vehicles have too different a speed, hence the implementation of this rule. In case of non-compliance, the drivers could be penalized.

An Imperfect Rule

The reform carried out by the FIA seems to have convinced. On the track, the differentials were acceptable, reducing the risk of accidents. However, in order to still be able to benefit from a slipstream, the drivers have recreated it from the pit lane during their out-laps. Max Verstappen chose this technique, earning him a call before the stewards. If the Dutchman and Charles Leclerc think that this new rule is a good thing and is in the right direction, they hope for clemency on the part of the stewards when leaving the pits.

« For now, it remains imperfect », testified the Red Bull pilot. « We must find something else, but it’s hard. Everyone is trying to make a gap now in the pit lane, which is the only place we can do it, so I really don’t understand how you can bother someone. For me, I think we need to be a bit more lenient with this, knowing that it’s a safe environment. We’re driving very slowly, it’s the only place where we can create a gap. When we’re at the beginning of the pit lane, we don’t know what others are doing, so you’re constantly trying to judge a gap. »

The initiative applauded

Despite criticism of the current format, Max Verstappen is aware of the challenges the FIA is facing. He praises the initiative currently in place. « You do not want to start a lap three or four seconds behind someone, because it is really bad for following », he explained. « But, on the other hand, if we did not have this kind of minimum lap time, then perhaps we would have obstacles again in the last sector, so it is quite difficult, I guess, to find a good compromise. »

Charles Leclerc shares the same vision as Max Verstappen. This new rule is important from a safety standpoint, whether it be at Monza or on other circuits. « I think the most important thing is that we’ve gotten rid of the dangerous situation, especially in the last sector », said the Ferrari driver. « At Spa, for example, we sometimes have speed differences between the cars and I think that’s a good solution. Even if on the other hand this has created other problems, they are not serious. »

The rule should evolve over the next seasons.