Verstappen: "Will see what the other drivers say about the track limits"
F1 News
The FIA have been paying extra attention to the "track limits". Earlier in the season, this already caused problems in Portimao, Imola and others. There is also a lot of asphalt in Abu Dhabi, next to the circuit, but Verstappen thinks it will be fine this time.
The race management, led by Michael Masi, had indicated prior to the weekend that they would pay extra attention to the exit of turn 21. That is the corner just before the start and finish section and drivers can gain an advantage when off the track on full throtle.
During qualifying
Verstappen thinks it will not be a problem this time, although he will discuss it with his colleagues. "We'll see what the other drivers say about track limits in the briefing tonight, but it's Friday practice which is always about exploring the limits and getting an a better understanding of how wide you can go," Verstappen said.
This happened regularly during the free practice sessions on Friday and a fast time was taken from many drivers. According to Verstappen, that is part of it. "In qualifying we know we can't go that wide and we will be paying more attention to it, but I don't think it's a big issue," said Verstappen, according to Red Bull Racing's press release.