The Qatar Formula 1 weekend saw track limits become an unpleasant focal point. Numerous lap times were invalidated, causing surprises in qualifying and penalties in the race. Naturally, this resulted in controversies, with many drivers, including Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez, criticizing the FIA for what they deemed as absurd regulations. Even the President of the Federation, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, expressed his dismay with what occurred in Qatar and believes that immediate action is necessary to prevent similar cases in the future.
Repeat of the Track Limits Fiasco in Qatar
Regrettably, the spectacle of track limits witnessed in Losail was not a one-time occurrence in this F1 season. In Austria, we already observed countless invalidated laps and numerous race penalties that dramatically altered the final standings long after the checkered flag. The number of track limits violations reported was almost 1200. This poses a problem for the overall entertainment value because it makes it much more challenging for fans to follow the events, and results can change even after a session has ended, as was the case in Qatar’s qualifying.
“We are speaking about centimetres at 280kph,” explained Charles Leclerc after the Qatar Grand Prix – “In qualifying, when we are fresh, it’s possible to respect them. But then it’s just a nightmare at the end of the race. So, maybe there are things that we could do because these cars now are so quick in the high-speed corners, so when you are doing quali laps after quali laps, the G-forces we are going through for 57 laps with this heat is crazy.” – the Ferrari man continued.
The FIA Wants to Avoid Further Track Limits Issues, and Some Tracks Are at Risk
FIA President Ben Sulayem, speaking with motorsport.com, stated that situations like those seen in Qatar will no longer be tolerated. “We had the same problem in Austria, and I must congratulate the stewards for identifying it. But is this the solution? No,” commented the president.
“The solution is to improve the tracks themselves. I know some are reluctant to do so, but if I’m honest, if they don’t improve the tracks, there won’t be any races. That’s it, very simple. We can’t afford for this to happen again; we need a change.”
Ben Sulayem’s perspective is very clear, and the threat seems quite real. But what could be the solutions? “We could make the track more slippery when drivers exceed the limits,” suggests the FIA president. “Or we could raise the curbs. But would that damage the cars? We can also consider gravel, but we need to be careful. How deep and how big should it be? Because we don’t want anyone getting stuck or damaging their car, we need a balance. But now it’s no longer a matter of ‘Should we do it?’—we have to do it, and that’s it.”
What seems certain is that significant changes to track limits in F1 will be seen in 2024. It remains to be seen how the FIA will choose to act and what the consequences will be for the tracks most at risk.
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