Track limits are expected to be a hot topic once more in the US after proving problematic in Qatar.
The Red Bull RB19 driver Max Verstappen has jokingly stated that he is willing to turn it over to see if someone else “could do a better job with track limits.”
The subject of track limits was hotly debated the last time out in Qatar, where Lando Norris felt that a chance at pole for both the Sprint and Grand Prix was lost after having times deleted. Meanwhile, in the race, Sergio Perez, Pierre Gasly, and Lance Stroll all received multiple five-second time penalties for violations.
White lines at the track’s edge define the boundaries, and drivers are only permitted a certain number of strikes during races before being penalized. The issue of track limits has been debated for some time.
Some drivers believe the modern design of circuits is a factor behind track limits with the problem rarely seen in places such as Suzuka where so-called ‘natural’ track limits are in place with grass or gravel.
Verstappen is fearing another repeat of track limits this weekend – and made a bold offer to test it out.
I will happily let anyone else drive my car, and see if they can do better with track limits,” Verstappen explained to media including RacingNews365.
“Some tracks just have a lot of runoff, so naturally you probably the limits a little bit easier because, for instance, in Suzuka and that’s a bit more of an old school track, we never really talk about track limits.
“I feel like with some of these new tracks that you’re more focused on a Quali lap to not cross a white line than actually finding the limit or just the pure enjoyment of pushing,” said the athlete. “The latest track standards, they have a thing to do with it and it’s a bit of a shame.
It’s more like you’re looking at: ‘Did I make it or not? Oh, yeah, I made it.’
“It’s a bit odd. We need to do a better job because I think this weekend will be the same story.”
Charles Leclerc also added that he felt a better marker for drivers when it comes to track limits are the red and white painted kerbs as opposed to white lines.
The red and white kerb is a reference that we can actually feel inside the car, as opposed to the white line, so I’ve always preferred to use it in the past. It’s very challenging to see where we are because the car is so low, the Monegasque said.
With the kerb, you can feel much more about what’s happening and it serves as a better reference if we are two centimeters off or exactly on the line.