Formula 1 Racing Rules Remain a Hot Topic Following Austrian Grand Prix Collision

As the dust settles on the Austrian Grand Prix collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, the debate surrounding Formula 1’s racing rules continues to simmer. While the two drivers have put the incident behind them, the question of how to regulate driving standards in Formula 1 remains a contentious issue.

The FIA’s Efforts to Provide Clarity

The FIA has been working to provide greater clarity on the rules of racing, but even its own documents acknowledge that the nature of motorsport means every incident must be judged on its own merit. This has led to a grey area around what appears to be a black-and-white guideline prohibiting moving under braking.

In February, the FIA issued a set of Driving Standards to Formula 1 teams and drivers, outlining what is and is not allowed on the track. These guidelines, which will be formally incorporated into the International Sporting Code next year, are intended to provide a framework for stewards to make decisions on potential infringements.

“A copy of the guidelines seen by Motorsport.com includes a specific reference to defending drivers, stating that they must not change direction after the deceleration phase has commenced, except to follow the racing line. This would suggest that Verstappen’s movements in Austria could be deemed unacceptable. However, the document also emphasizes that racing is a dynamic process and that stewards will always consider the totality of the incident when making a judgment.”

Factors Considered by Stewards

The guidelines list several factors that stewards will evaluate when determining the guilty party in an incident, including how the cars got to the incident, whether the maneuver was late or “optimistic,” and the relative tires, tyre age, and grip.

In the case of Verstappen’s collision with Norris, the stewards ultimately deemed the Dutchman to be at fault, but found that his movements under braking did not cross the line. Verstappen himself is adamant that he did not breach the driving guidelines, saying, “For me, it was not moving under braking… Because every time that I moved, I was not braking already.”

The Ongoing Debate

The debate over Formula 1’s racing rules is likely to continue, with drivers seeking further clarification in the drivers’ briefing at Silverstone. However, as Verstappen notes, more regulations may not be the solution. “I think we have already way too many rules in general for everything. So I think that will only make it more complicated.”

As the Formula 1 community continues to grapple with the complexities of driving standards, one thing is clear: the pursuit of a perfect solution will remain an ongoing challenge.

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