FIA in discussions with Austin F1 to install track limits deterrent

According to reports, the FIA and the race promoter for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix are discussing deterrents to cut down track limits abuses.

Autosport understands that discussions have taken following the fallout from Lando Norris’ controversial Turn 12 manoeuvre over Max Verstappen at the United States GP.

In the Norris-Verstappen duel, the Englishman receiving a five-second penalty for overtaking off of the circuit – and several other drivers were penalised for track limits infractions at Turn 12.

This occurred despite changes to kerbing in several corners, following Haas’ request for a right of review last year regarding perceived track limits breaches by its rivals.

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Multiple drivers have queried why the Circuit of the Americas didn’t feature temporary gravel strips, like the ones used in this year’s Austrian GP at the Red Bull Ring.

“For me, the root cause of the problem is having a circuit that allows you to run wide,” Mercedes’ George Russell said ahead of the Mexico GP.

“And if we take Austria last year as an example, you had, I don’t know, 300 track limit problems. They put gravel in, and there’s no problems.

“If you put gravel in on that corner [Turn 12 at Austin], Lando doesn’t go off and overtake, and Max doesn’t break that late and go off as well.

“So, I think we need to tackle the root cause.”

FIA needs ‘a natural deterrent’ for track limits issues

Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg added, “Of course, if you put a natural deterrent there, it will change the dynamic of the corner.

“In street circuits, if there’s a wall, it changes things. And yeah, I mean, in most sports there are these grey areas. And like I said earlier, I think it’s track dependent.

:And Austin is always one that brings out that grey area quite a lot. So yeah, maybe that’s one thing, one area we can look into to try and help, particularly that corner, I think Turns 12, 15.”

Following their successful implementation, the FIA has proposed all F1 circuits employ temporary gravel strips where possible.

It’s difficult, however, to make widespread changes such as these across the board, with costs, other series and safety implications at play.

Still such was the vast amount of breaches at COTA, that the FIA has prompted the circuit promoter to consider temporary gravel strips strongly for future Grands Prix.

This comes after the promoter was punished by the F1governing body in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s race, receiving a $500,000 fine after fans invaded the track.

READ MORE – FIA dismiss McLaren right of review over Lando Norris penalty