Time limit in each micro-sector
On several occasions during Qualifying in recent years, incidents of impeding have occurred. This refers to non-fast lap drivers obstructing one or more colleagues who are pushing to the maximum on their flying laps or the lap immediately following the timed one.
In case of impeding, the Stewards can impose penalty grid positions, starting from a minimum of three positions. To limit the tendency of drivers to proceed at very slow speeds to avoid prematurely damaging soft tire sets, a time limit was introduced between the two Safety Car lines starting from the Italian Grand Prix at the Monza circuit last season. However, Race Director Niels Wittich has sought to ‘strengthen’ the regulations starting from this year, with the clear goal to further reduce the chances of an extremely slow car ruining a lap or acting as an obstacle and danger to another car racing at full speed.
In the notes presented to teams and drivers approaching the first round of the 2024 Formula 1 campaign, the Bahrain Grand Prix, it was emphasized that drivers must stay within or below the maximum time set in each micro-sector (the track portions between one light panel and the others) and at both the first and second Safety Car lines. Those who do not adhere to this time limit will be investigated as a driver who proceeded unnecessarily slowly. The updated regulations clearly state that this also applies to the pit lane (in 2023, some ‘tactical’ stops by Max Verstappen sparked numerous controversies). Furthermore, concerning the Sakhir circuit, drivers have been highlighted that they must move away from the ideal racing line between Turn 3 and Turn 4, between Turn 10 and Turn 11, and between Turn 13 and Turn 14 – the three successive straights following the start, in case another rapidly approaching car is approaching.
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