Call for action after Norris/Verstappen drama: 'We're benefiting unfairly'
F1 News
- Ludo van Denderen
The key topic of conversation in the Formula 1 paddock is still about the United States Grand Prix despite the F1 circus travelling to Mexico. It is specifically about the penalties imposed for overtaking off track and pushing a competitor off track. The incident between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen was the most telling example. There seems to be a consensus among F1 drivers that rule changes are needed.
Pierre Gasly is one person who thinks something needs to be done by the FIA. "I think Austin highlighted that there is definitely something that's got to be changed," said the Frenchman from Alpine. "I think there is the rule as it's written and there is more the common sense on how you want to approach racing. I think there is this grey area at the moment which allow us drivers to benefit from the regulation in a kind of unfair way of approaching racing."
According to Gasly, drivers and the FIA need to talk to each other to make sure this changes. "This is something which I guess we all agree on and which will be worked on with the FIA on how to improve things because there have been a couple of incidents which got us on a split or with mixed feelings on the decision that came out of it. I think we all need some clarity and better written rules to improve the racing for the future."
Hulkenberg and Perez respond
Nico Hulkenberg would add, however, that the circuit in Austin encourages incidents like the one between Norris and Verstappen. "Turn 12 every year is always one of the hot spots where it happens easily and a lot. I don't know. Sometimes it works for you, sometimes it doesn't. It's part of racing and we'll see going forward what we come up with," said the Haas F1 driver.
Sergio Perez agrees with Hulkenberg. "I think Austin is really the worst for it in terms of track layout. Turn 1, Turn 12, even Turn 11 can be quite difficult in that regard. It can go in your favour or against you. And I think here [Mexico], for example, it won't be an issue."
This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton