Between the United States Grand Prix in Austin and the Mexico City Grand Prix, we witnessed two races that generated a lot of discussion about overtaking rules and regulations in Formula 1. The main character has undoubtedly been Max Verstappen, whose driving style has divided opinions among those in the know.
While he emerged as the “winner” from the Circuit of the Ameriacas, the Mexican GP told a different story. The maneuvers against Lando Norris cost the Dutchman a hefty 20-second penalty, relegating him to a sixth-place finish.
At the end of the race, the Red Bull driver did not seem too concerned about the penalty, while Horner even resorted to telemetry to blame Norris.
There is no unanimity
Recent events have sparked the need for a discussion about the overtaking rules in Formula 1. This conversation is not just about agreements between drivers but also involves race stewards and the FIA.
On this point, George Russell, director of the Drivers’ Association, stepped in.
“I believe that the stewards absolutely agree on the changes to be made,” the Mercedes driver explained to motorsport.com. “I think the biggest discussion has been about wanting to wait until 2025 to ensure consistency with the current year. I would say that 19 out of 20 drivers have said: ‘Well, if it’s not right, let’s make the change today.’” – the Mercedes driver explained at the end of the Mexican Grand Prix.
“I’m happy to see that these incidents have been punished, and I suspect that in Brazil it won’t be possible to do what we’ve seen today and last week anymore. Sometimes, when things need to be approved and we have to vote on an application, changing seems harder than it needs to be. But as I said, 19 out of 20 of us agree on the direction we need to go,” George Russell concluded.
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