FIA adopts 'zero tolerance' approach to British GP track limits
Formula 1 drivers have been told that there will be a 'zero tolerance' approach for anyone abusing track limits at Copse, Stowe and Club corner at the British Grand Prix.
The design of the three corners allows drivers to run wide at the exit, which in theory could hand them an advantage as it will allow them to carry more momentum.
With the matter having come up during Friday night's drivers briefing at Silverstone, F1 race director Charlie Whiting issued on note to teams on Saturday morning making clear that there will be no leeway for drivers running wide in qualifying.
He stated that any driver who goes off the circuit at these corners will have their laptime deleted.
The note said: "Further to the discussion in the drivers meeting yesterday evening I would like to confirm that we will again be adopting a "zero tolerance" approach to cars leaving the track at turns 9, 15 and 18 during qualifying.
"Unless we are satisfied that a driver left the track at these points for reasons beyond his control, having been forced off the track for example, every lap time achieved by leaving the track will be deleted in accordance with Article 12.3.1.d of the Sporting Code."
For the race, Whiting said that penalties would only be applied if it was felt that a driver had gained a good advantage.
"During the race, and in accordance with Article 27.4 of the Sporting Regulations, any driver who is judged to have gained a clear and lasting advantage by leaving the track will be reported to the stewards," he said.
"Similarly, under the same Article, any driver who repeatedly leaves the track will be reported to the stewards for not having made every reasonable effort to use the track."
Share Or Save This Story
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
George Russell handed another 20-place penalty before the Singapore Grand Prix
Marco Bezzecchi with conflicting feelings: Indonesian GP feels ‘more like a loss than a win’
Pierre Gasly questions FIA stewards' decision not to penalise Lando Norris after Singapore crash
Marc Marquez: Indonesian GP results a “dream” at my “worst circuit”
What we learned from the 2026 F1 Singapore GP sprint and qualifying
How Honda plans a return to being an F1 powerhouse
Why Red Bull's 'crazy' power unit success matters so much for F1
No denying it now – the one reason why F1’s ‘horrible’ start in Malaysia could be a good thing
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments