Formula 1 Today: Verstappen’s Defensive Tactics Spark Debate – Time for FIA to Clamp Down?

The Austrian Grand Prix saw a dramatic crash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, reigniting the debate about the limits of defensive driving and the consequences drivers should face when they go too far.

As the Formula 1 world discusses the incident, our writers share their views on whether the FIA needs to crack down on defensive tactics like Verstappen’s or if this is just part of racing.

F1 Needs More Regulation to Stop Verstappen Tactics

Formula 1 and the FIA are back in the same situation they were in at the end of 2021. By allowing Verstappen to get away with his tactics at Interlagos Turn 4 under the ‘let them race’ directive, F1 essentially gave him the green light to continue his brutal approach to racing. This led directly to the shameful scenes at Jeddah 2021.

Now, the FIA must clamp down on Verstappen’s braking zone movements from Austria with additional clarification and explanation of F1’s racing rules guidelines. These guidelines should be made public to provide transparency and consistency in decision-making.

Moreover, the call for F1 to finally implement permanent stewards that attend every race is growing louder. This could bring more consistency and fairness to the sport, even if it means embracing a more contentious officiating system like football’s VAR.

Alex Kalinauckas, Formula 1 News (July 12, 2023)

Let the Stewards, Not the Rulebook, Decide

Every sport requires rules, but in Formula 1, the ever-more restricted nature of the regulations makes policing more difficult and leads to decisions that appear incorrect. Instead of relying on rigid rules, the stewards should be given the freedom to make the right calls based on the nuances of each incident.

Michael Schumacher famously used to leave his ‘one move’ until the last possible moment, creating potentially dangerous situations. Similarly, did there need to be a ‘Verstappen rule’ about moving in the braking zones? The answer is no, as all of this can be covered by a ‘dangerous or unfair driving’ guideline.

Those with experience and knowledge of the sport agree on 99% of incidents, even if clashes split opinion among fans. It’s obvious to most drivers where the line is of what’s right and wrong, so let’s look less at regulation and more at giving the stewards the freedom to make the right calls.

Kevin Turner, Formula 1 News (July 12, 2023)

Stewards Already Have the Right Tools to Act

The Norris-Verstappen clash in Austria shows that regulating motor racing is a double-edged sword. On one hand, we want fair racing and drivers correctly penalized for endangering others. On the other, we also want drivers to push their cars and each other to the limits without fear of receiving penalties for every single time they get it wrong.

The stewards already have the tools to act on dangerous driving. The discussion shouldn’t be about adding or rephrasing the rules themselves, but about whether or not Verstappen’s moves were dangerous. The rotating stewards panel will always have trouble getting a consistent answer to that, but the tools are there to make the right call.

Filip Cleeren, Formula 1 News (July 12, 2023)

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