Inconsistent track limits rules confusing for fans, say Charles and Carlos. Carlos and Charles on track limits rules .

Scuderia Ferrari drivers have questioned the decision to impose different rules regarding track limits for the race and qualifying in Bahrain.

Policing of track limits at turn four was a topic of debate throughout the weekend. Drivers were told their lap times would be deleted if they went behind the red and white kerb at the exit of the corner during qualifying. However in the race drivers were advised the same limit would not be imposed.

Charles Leclerc said that while the rule was clear, he was puzzled by the decision to use different standards for difference sessions.

“I have to be honest, I don’t really understand why it has been changed [between qualifying and the race],” he said.

“The rule was clear, though, for us, for the race, that we could go out, but not if it was for overtaking or something like that. But I didn’t really understand why it changed from [Saturday]. I think it would have probably been more straightforward to just keep the rules as [they were].”

The battle for the lead was decided by a call regarding track limits. Max Verstappen was advised to let Lewis Hamilton overtake him after passing the Mercedes driver while running off the track at turn four.

Carlos Sainz Jnr agreed the rule was clear as far as overtaking was concerned but he also expressed misgivings about the inconsistent standards applied and potential for confusion it created.

“For me as a driver, it was clear what we was allowed to do today and what not it was allowed. What I really don’t understand is why it’s changing day to day.

“Obviously for the fans and everyone back at home, I guess it’s also difficult to keep up to date with all these changes and know exactly what’s going on. But for the drivers at least, I knew that if I were to do someone using the track limits, I would be having to let the other car by, so at least that was clear.”