P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Formula 1 track limits have been the subject of controversy for some time and it now seems that overstepping the mark will incur even stronger punishments going forward.
Several Formula 1 drivers have expressed doubts about the proposal to introduce a tougher penalty for exceeding track limits in the future. Currently, drivers typically receive a five-second time penalty for crossing the white lines that mark the track’s boundaries during overtaking or race laps. The plan is to impose a 10-second time penalty for such infractions, to be served at the next pit stop or added to the final race time. Some drivers argue that the existing penalty is already too lenient, especially when attempting to overtake a slower car, allowing offenders to negate the penalty by building a gap. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ George Russell highlighted challenges in seeing and respecting track limits from inside the cockpit due to the limited visibility from the driver’s position. One proposed solution is to redesign track edges with harsher penalties like gravel traps to discourage drivers from going off-track boundaries. Ultimately, the focus remains on finding a balance between enforcing regulations effectively while ensuring fairness and safety on the racetrack.
