FIA adopts 'zero tolerance' approach to British GP track limits

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."