Home » Sport » Track limits cause wild discussions: FIA race director explains

Track limits cause wild discussions: FIA race director explains

The rule interpretation of the Track Limits caused a lot of discussion at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Michael Masi, race director of the FIA, has now commented on this topic.

It was the decisive scene of the first race of the new Formula 1 season in Bahrain. Max Verstappen overtook the leading Lewis Hamilton with four laps to go. Mind you, in turn four. The Dutchman came off the track briefly.


Verstappen has to let Hamilton by again

This was not without consequences. The race management intervened and gave the instruction that the 23-year-old had to let his competitor by again in the Mercedes because he had not complied with the track limits at this point. Red Bull finally buckled and let Hamilton pass again, who shortly afterwards crossed the finish line first.

This scene was hotly debated after the race. Because Hamilton also left the track again and again during the race, also in the notorious turn four, before the warning came over the pit radio. The difference, however, was that Hamilton had not overtaken any car leaving the track.

The seven-time champion then pointed out with surprise that it had been communicated before the race that compliance with the track limits would not be monitored at that point during the race. This is in contrast to the previous sessions, in which leaving the slope in the fourth corner resulted in a canceled lap time.

“They changed their minds in the middle of the race and suddenly you are no longer allowed to cross the white line there,” explained the Briton, who also added: “But that was okay for me, because I think that it was actually faster for me and it also helped me to protect my tires ”.


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Masi takes a stand

Christian Horner, Head of Motorsport at Red Bull, was at Sky clear words: “It is not good if the rules are changed in the middle. We have to be more careful with things like that. Of course, there must be no inconsistencies. You can’t say that it’s okay in the race, but that you can’t overtake there. It should be black or white – and not gray. “

Now FIA race director Michael Masi has also spoken out and explained why Verstappen had received the order to let Hamilton pass. “At the driver briefing on Friday evening, we talked in detail about the fact that in the event of an overtaking maneuver in which the attacker leaves the track and gains an advantage, I would immediately advise the team via radio to return the position,” said Masi .

“Rules have not changed”

And further: “As far as leaving the track during the race is concerned, it was communicated very clearly that we will not pay attention to it as long as a driver does not gain a sustainable advantage. The rules haven’t changed at all in the course of the race. “


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This should mean that the discussions are over for the time being. But at the upcoming Grand Prix in Imola (April 18th) this rule interpretation will certainly be addressed again in order to avoid further misunderstandings.

Image: Imago

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