Max Verstappen, sitting in pole position, is on the brink of securing his third title at the Qatar Grand Prix if he manages to score just three points in the Saturday sprint race. The Mercedes duo, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, clinched second and third place respectively in Friday night’s qualifying session. However, their positions were only secured after McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had their final lap times in Q3 deleted due to track-limit violations.
In the post-qualifying press conference, Lewis Hamilton expressed his belief that Lando Norris should have rightfully taken his place on the podium. Additionally, Hamilton praised the Qatari kerbs that instantly penalize drivers for running wide and suggested that the FIA could use this as a model to reconsider track limits at other circuits. By removing track limits, the FIA could eliminate confusion caused by the time required to delete lap times and update the leaderboard accordingly.
Hamilton commended the new kerbs, stating, “I think these new kerbs are great. When I went around the track on the scooter, I initially thought they were quite substantial. However, in practice, I found them to be highly effective. If a driver goes beyond the highest point of the kerb, they lose time, which eliminates the need for traditional track limits at this circuit. I believe Lando should be up here with us. These kerbs offer a valuable learning opportunity, and we can implement them at numerous other tracks in the future.”
During the Austrian Grand Prix earlier this season, the FIA had to assess over 1200 possible track limit infringements, resulting in 83 cases where penalties were applied. Hamilton proposed that the approach taken in Qatar, with its natural timing penalties for running wide, could be adopted at other circuits to avoid similar scenarios. Hamilton suggested, “MotoGP, which races at Losail, doesn’t face any issues with these kerbs, so why not use them at circuits like Austria? Going beyond the kerbs would naturally result in time loss. Therefore, we shouldn’t have to rely solely on white lines to enforce track limits. Of course, the final decision doesn’t rest with me.”
Verstappen also shared his thoughts, stating, “I do think these kerbs are an improvement. They no longer advantage drivers who go wide. However, it can be frustrating because veering slightly off the track can lead to bottoming out and potential floor damage, resulting in time loss.”
The introduction of the new kerbs at the Qatar Grand Prix has ignited a discussion about the effectiveness of traditional track limits and the possibility of using similar methods at other circuits. With the current approach, drivers at Losail are naturally penalized for running wide, avoiding the need for strict track limits enforced through white lines.
The experience of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen at the Qatar circuit has highlighted the potential benefits of these kerbs. Hamilton described them as “great” and emphasized that they provide an opportunity for drivers to learn and improve their skillset. The implementation of these kerbs not only eliminates the need for constant track limit monitoring but also offers a fairer racing environment.
The Austrian Grand Prix earlier this season showcased the challenges the FIA faces when dealing with track limit infringements. With over 1200 incidents to assess, the process of applying penalties and adjusting the leaderboard becomes time-consuming and complex. By utilizing kerbs similar to those in Qatar, incidents of track limit violations could be greatly reduced. This would result in a more straightforward and transparent racing experience for both drivers and fans.
Lewis Hamilton proposed expanding the usage of the effective kerbs seen in Qatar to other circuits, citing Austria as an example. By implementing these kerbs, drivers would have more freedom to utilize the available track space without facing the risk of time penalties. However, going beyond the kerbs would naturally result in time loss, encouraging drivers to stay within the boundaries.
The MotoGP races held at Losail have successfully operated with these kerbs, proving their compatibility with high-speed racing and their ability to prevent drivers from gaining an advantage by running wide. Adapting these kerbs for use at other tracks would not only simplify track limit enforcement but also enhance the overall racing experience.
The Qatar Grand Prix has shed light on an alternative approach to track limits, utilizing effective kerbs that naturally penalize drivers for running wide. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have both praised the implementation of these kerbs, suggesting that they could be used as a model for other circuits. By eliminating the need for strict track limits enforced through white lines, a fairer and more transparent racing environment can be achieved. The FIA now has the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of these kerbs and consider their implementation at other venues, ensuring consistent and clear track limit regulations throughout the Formula 1 season.
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