FIA issues track limits warning for Abu Dhabi GP
Formula 1 drivers have been warned that the FIA will take a zero-tolerance approach to any chicane cutting at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The issue of drivers cutting kerbs at Turn 6 (in the stadium section), Turn 9 (at the end of the main straight) and Turn 12 (after the back-straight) has been a regular focus at the Yas Marina circuit.
In a note sent to teams on Thursday, F1 race director Charlie Whiting made it clear that drivers' behaviour would be monitored closely.
"Any car which uses a part of the areas behind the apex of turns 6, 9 or 12, and which is suspected of gaining any sort of advantage from doing so, will be immediately reported to the Stewards," said Whiting.
DRS issue
Whiting also said that in the heat of the battle, drivers must ensure that if they do run off the track that they do not benefit, either by having a bigger lead afterwards or in getting into the DRS activation zone.
"If two cars are close to each other entering turn 8 and, by cutting behind the apex of turn 9, the leading one rejoins the track with a greater lead over the following car he will be reported to the stewards as having gained an advantage by leaving the track," he said.
"This will apply whether or not the advantage gained had any influence upon the operation of the DRS by the driver in the following car."
He added: "If two cars are close to each other entering turn 8 and, by cutting behind the apex of turn 9, the following one rejoined the track within DRS detection distance of the leading car, that driver may not deploy his DRS in the following activation sector.
"Any driver seen to be using his DRS under these circumstances will be reported to the stewards as having gained an advantage by leaving the track."
Previous article
Delayed Lotus freight arrives in Abu Dhabi
Next article
Ricciardo to revert to old-spec Renault engine
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Event | Abu Dhabi GP |
| Location | Yas Marina Circuit |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
Why Aston Martin’s arrival is more than just new green livery
In the most eagerly anticipated Formula 1 team launch of the season, the rebranded Aston Martin squad’s changes go much further than the striking paint job. But rather than a restart, the team hopes to build on top of solid foundations.
The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
The team formerly known as Racing Point gambled successfully on a Mercedes look-alike in 2020 as it mounted a strong challenge for third in the constructors' race and won the Sakhir GP. Now clothed in British racing green, Aston Martin's first Formula 1 challenger since 1960 provides the clearest indicator yet of what to expect from the new-for-2021 regulations
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Ferrari is starting its post-Sebastian Vettel age by welcoming Carlos Sainz in alongside Charles Leclerc. But while Sainz has a tough challenge to match his new teammate, Ferrari is also sending a message that previous intra-team spats must end
The mantra Ocon must follow to challenge Alonso at Alpine
OPINION: It's been an uneasy ride for Esteban Ocon since his F1 comeback - and fresh challenges lie in wait as he's joined by double world champion Fernando Alonso in the newly rebranded Alpine team. STUART CODLING sets out a roadmap to success…
Why Haas is willing to sacrifice its 2021 F1 season
Every Formula 1 team is facing the same difficult decision this season: how do you split precious aero development time between the current car and the all-new 2022 project?
