The FIA’s Charlie Whiting has warned drivers that exceeding the track limits at turns 9 (Copse) and 18 (Club) during qualifying will result in their time being deleted.
A similar approach was taken in Austria, which saw several drivers including Lewis Hamilton, stripped of their fastest time.
“Further to discussion in the drivers meeting yesterday (Friday) evening I would like to remind all teams and drivers that we will adopt a “zero tolerance” approach to cars leaving the track at the exit of turns 9 and 18 during qualifying,” read a statement.
“Unless we are satisfied that a driver left the track at either of these points for reasons beyond his control, having been forced off the track for example, every lap time achieved by leaving the track will be deleted in accordance with Article 12.3.1.d of the Sporting Code.”
The stewards will also be watching over repeat offenders during the race and those who may have gained an advantage by leaving the track limits denoted by a white line.
“During the race, any driver who appears to have gained a clear and lasting advantage by leaving the track at turns 9 and 18, or who repeatedly leaves the track at either of these two corners, will be reported to the stewards.”
