Track limits chaos in modern F1, but there was a time when poles were secured this way – VIDEO. Track limits chaos in modern F1: how poles were secured two decades ago.

The issue of track limits resurfaced over the weekend in Qatar, following numerous controversies that arose during this season, especially at the Austrian Grand Prix. However, there was a time when drivers exceeded the track limits in qualifying. For instance, the pole lap Michael Schumacher set in the 2003 Zeltweg qualifying session serves as a prime example, where the German champion literally went off the track in turn 1 but had no time invalidated.

Track limits in Formula 1: There were no invalidated times for inches beyond the line in the past
The 2023 Formula 1 season will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most controversial in terms of the much-debated issue of track limits. After several races filled with discontent, the real issue exploded in the ninth round of the season in Austria when Aston Martin decided to protest after the race, forcing the FIA to review hundreds of incidents at the limit.

Following the complaint by the Silverstone team, the stewards imposed a slew of penalties on almost half the grid, completely reshuffling the final order of the race long after it had ended.

As clearly seen on circuits worldwide, Formula 1 is becoming increasingly reluctant to use gravel to border the track, often opting for long asphalt run-off areas and placing sensors on the curbs to immediately alert the governing body whenever a driver exceeds the predetermined limits.

This represents a meritocratic system in some respects, as the rule is the same for everyone, and the drivers are well aware that they cannot cross the white line. On the other hand, when looking at the numerous cases of invalidated times, it might be a good idea to start considering a different solution.

In Qatar, the federation introduced a different solution to address the problem, placing concrete slabs measuring one and a half by two meters at specific points on the Losail circuit.

However, as we have observed in both qualifying sessions, this option proved to be decidedly unsuccessful and also raised a safety issue concerning the tires. Following Pirelli’s analysis, the FIA was forced to reconsider track limits in turns 12 and 13 and take additional precautionary measures for the Grand Prix.

To potentially put an end to the problem once and for all, it might be worth considering a return to gravel, as it would serve as a natural deterrent for drivers to venture beyond the limits already set by the curbs. Alternatively, Formula 1 could revert to the standards of 20 years ago when controls on track limits were considerably less strict than they are today.

Here’s Michael Schumacher’s 2003 pole position lap:

Fantastic Pole in A1 Ring 2003
The excitement of the champion, the exultation of the box#KeepFightingMichael pic.twitter.com/RmOkkilcrG

— Michael Schumacher (@_MSchumacher) June 29, 2018

Source: f1ingenerale