Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has criticised the FIA over how they have treated drivers and track limits in 2022.
This year, the FIA is policing track limits on a very strict basis, with lap times deleted if a driver exceeds the white line.
However, Verstappen says that during the Drivers’ briefing on Friday in Budapest, there was contradictions as to what was deemed to be the edge of the track at a particular part of the Hungaroring Circuit.
It led the Dutchman to state that he feels the drivers are being treated like “amateurs” throughout race weekends.
“Drivers last year said we have to be more clear and strict on what we were going to chase in terms of track limits,” Verstappen said.
“But for example, last night they started talking about Turn 13, the dotted line is the track edge, but there is a kerb and a white line next to me, which for me personally is the track edge.
“We just have so many silly little things that just also make it so difficult for them to police.
“As drivers we always want to help give our advice but nothing is heard, for me that is extremely frustrating. I don’t want to fight with them, I want to advise them, but it seems like they don’t really care.
“My feeling is they look at us like we are amateurs and I don’t think that’s correct.”
Verstappen suggested that inserting gravel traps at the edge of the circuit will take away the need for policing, as drivers won’t gain time by running wide.
“Most of the time when you look on the onboard cameras, the camera is on the wrong side, so the angle looks like you’re off but you are not off,” he said.
“So it’s very hard and I think we can do ourselves a favour and make it a lot easier by adding a bit of gravel on the exit.
“Austria, for example, why do we need track limits at Turn 4 and Turn 6? There is naturally gravel, and even if you go out by this much you will penalise yourself by going wide or damage the floor anyway and your car is going slower.
“So they just make it super hard for themselves. Of course people just say stay within the white line, but that is easier said than done.
“What I said about this dotted line is just so confusing as well.”
