F1 is set for a major overtaking rule change after Max Verstappen

F1 is set for a major overtaking rule change after Max Verstappen aroused controversy at…….read more

Formula 1 is on the brink of implementing a significant change to its overtaking rules following a controversy involving Max Verstappen at the US and Mexican Grands Prix. The incident has led to questions about the consistency of the stewards’ decisions and sparked a conversation among drivers about how overtaking should be handled going forward.

Verstappen, who secured his fourth World Championship in Las Vegas, was at the center of the controversy during his intense battle for position against Lando Norris. The two drivers had a particularly heated contest at the US Grand Prix, where Verstappen forced Norris wide in a move that ultimately led to Norris receiving a penalty. Despite this, the FIA did not penalize Verstappen for the maneuver, which raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. The following week, at the Mexican Grand Prix, the situation played out differently when Verstappen himself was involved in a similar overtaking move. This time, however, Verstappen went wide and forced Norris off track, but he was given two 10-second time penalties for the action.

The contrasting decisions in Austin and Mexico brought the stewards’ consistency into question. This inconsistency led to a drivers’ meeting during the Qatar Grand Prix, where the drivers gathered to discuss the incidents and the rules surrounding overtaking. According to George Russell, the Mercedes driver and head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), the drivers are now united in their view that the regulations need to be updated to ensure fairness and clarity in future races. Russell, who has been an outspoken advocate for clearer and more consistent rules, expressed hope that a rule change could be implemented as early as the Qatar Grand Prix weekend.

“I don’t think it’s rocket science,” Russell said to the media. He emphasized that there was broad agreement among the drivers on the issue, stating that if a driver is overtaking on the inside and manages to make the corner without running off track, then the corner belongs to that driver. He also pointed out that hard racing and wheel-to-wheel battles are integral to the sport and that fans enjoy seeing such competitive moments, even if they involve drivers going off track or sparks flying from the cars. According to Russell, this kind of racing should be encouraged, and the stewards need to recognize that the onus is on the driver being overtaken to give way when they are on the outside.

One of the main points of contention is the current regulation that requires the driver on the inside to leave enough space for the driver on the outside from the apex of the corner to the exit. This rule, which has often been a source of confusion and controversy, is expected to be scrapped. Russell hopes that this change will take effect as soon as the next race weekend, meaning it could be in place for the Qatar Grand Prix.

The changes in the overtaking rules would mark a shift in how F1 races are officiated, aiming to make racing more exciting and fair while reducing the number of penalties for close battles. Russell and his fellow drivers believe that the new approach will allow for more aggressive racing without the fear of being penalized for every on-track incident. By removing the specific rule that mandates the inside driver to leave room for the outside driver, F1 could encourage drivers to race harder, knowing they won’t automatically face a penalty for aggressive overtakes, provided they keep the move clean and don’t force the other driver off track.

This rule revision could significantly alter the dynamics of overtaking in Formula 1, promoting more daring and strategic racing on the track. The consistency of the stewards’ decisions will be crucial to maintaining fairness in the sport, and it’s clear that both drivers and fans are eager for clearer guidelines that will help shape future races. If the change is implemented in the coming races, it could be a turning point for the sport, allowing for more thrilling on-track action and reducing the confusion that has often surrounded race penalties.

Overall, the controversy surrounding Verstappen and Norris has brought the issue of overtaking into sharper focus, leading to a potential overhaul of the rules that could have lasting impacts on the way Formula 1 races are contested. With the drivers in agreement and changes on the horizon, fans can look forward to even more exciting and competitive races in the future.