In an eventful qualifying session for the Qatar Grand Prix, Max Verstappen secured pole position, putting him in a prime position to claim his third title if he scores three points in the Saturday sprint race at Losail. However, the qualifying results were reshuffled due to track-limit violations by McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. This led to Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton securing second and third place respectively. During the post-qualifying press conference, Hamilton critiqued the track limits and suggested the adoption of the Qatari kerbs as a potential solution to avoid confusion and ensure fair competition.
Hamilton praised the newly implemented kerbs at the Losail Circuit, highlighting their effectiveness in deterring drivers from exceeding track limits. He expressed his belief that these kerbs could serve as a useful model for other circuits, thereby eliminating the need for track limits altogether. The seven-time champion commended the fact that going beyond the highest point of the kerb results in a loss of time, ensuring that drivers are penalized naturally for their mistakes. Hamilton recommended that the FIA adopt this approach to avoid the complexities of deleting lap times and adjusting the leaderboard accordingly.
The Austrian Grand Prix earlier in the season faced challenges with track limit infringements, necessitating extensive examination of over 1200 instances. Hamilton proposed that implementing similar kerbs at circuits like the Red Bull Ring in Austria could prevent similar scenarios from unfolding. By allowing drivers to utilize the kerbs without penalizing them unless they gain an advantage, the need for rigid track limits could be eliminated. Hamilton emphasized the need for a more lenient approach, where going beyond the kerbs would result in a loss of time rather than penalties.
Verstappen echoed Hamilton’s sentiment, acknowledging the improved quality of the kerbs at the Losail Circuit. He mentioned that drivers who go wide do not gain a time advantage but face potential damage to their floors and a loss of time due to the uneven surface. Verstappen’s perspective aligns with the notion that the kerbs should deter drivers from exceeding track limits, ensuring a fair and competitive racing environment.
Hamilton also noted that MotoGP races at the same circuit and successfully navigates the kerbs without incident. This observation further supports the argument that these kerbs could be implemented at other circuits, such as the Red Bull Ring, where the MotoGP community also races. Their compatibility with MotoGP showcases the feasibility and safety of these kerbs, indicating that they could be a viable solution to the challenges posed by track limit enforcement.
While Hamilton expressed his support for the kerbs and the removal of track limits, he acknowledged that the final decision rests with the FIA. Recognizing that it is not his role to determine the regulations, Hamilton’s suggestions serve as valuable input for the governing body to consider when reviewing and refining track limit policies. The aim is to strike a balance between providing drivers with enough freedom to push the limits of the track while ensuring a fair competition without overt advantages gained through exceeding track limits.
The qualifying session for the Qatar Grand Prix highlighted the challenges and controversy surrounding track limit enforcement. Hamilton and Verstappen both praised the kerbs at the Losail Circuit for effectively discouraging drivers from exceeding track limits. Their suggestions to adopt a similar approach at other circuits, such as the Red Bull Ring, raise questions about the necessity of rigid track limits. By implementing kerbs that naturally penalize drivers with a loss of time, the FIA can create a fair and competitive racing environment that minimizes confusion and maximizes the thrill of racing.
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