Red Bull’s Max Verstappen said there’s “no clear solution” to Formula 1’s track limits issues at the Austrian Grand Prix in response to new gravel traps being installed at the Red Bull Ring circuit.
Turns 9 and 10 have seen the welcome addition of new gravel traps and the kerbing has been narrowed at turn 4 to reduce the run-off before the gravel in a bid to prevent track limits breaches, of which there were too many to count during last year’s F1 Austrian GP.
Verstappen as ever was comprehensive in his response to the track alterations when prompted to comment during Thursday’s Austrian Grand Prix press conference.
The Dutchman relayed multiple factors that cause the Red Bull Ring to be susceptible to multiple track limits breaches whilst discussing if the changes will have the necessary impact.
“It’s a great track to drive [the Red Bull Ring],” the Dutchman said.
“I always enjoy it a lot, and especially the high-speed corners around here, they’re a lot of fun.
“But, of course, with the layout that we have, with the run-offs naturally behind it, we’re always talking about track limits.
“And it’s a bit of a problem as well, where, you know, throughout the lap, the tyres are overheating, the front tyres are getting really hot, so you naturally just understeer wide, and sometimes it happens already on the entry of the corner that the outcome on the exit is one or a few millimetres, which then gives you a track penalty.
“I just hope maybe with the gravel will stop that a little bit. I mean naturally you have to be a bit more careful and be a bit more precise.
“So, we’ll see if it’s the right way. I mean we’ll also try it. I think no one has a clear solution at the moment for what is best.”
Naturally, plenty of other drivers commented on what is one of the top Formula 1 talking points in Austria this weekend.
RB’s Yuki Tsunoda believes “it’s a good modification,” as long as the gravel doesn’t make its way onto the circuit and leave drivers at risk of punctures, a comparison he drew to the second chicane at Monza.
Charles Leclerc meanwhile noted how “on paper, [the change] looks positive,” but the Monegasque driver added how he won’t know for sure until he drives the track on Friday.
“But I guess that now it’s pretty clear where the track limit is.”
The overwhelming majority of the Formula 1 drivers have been calling for more gravel in run-off areas to fix track limits issues for some time.
The reason being is that the gravel is a clear and obvious deterrent.
“Obviously no one wants to go there [in the gravel],” said Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas. “So yeah, that should hopefully be the fix. All the track limit issues. So that’s good, I’m happy with that.”
Last year over 1200 potential track limits infractions were noted and multiple drivers were penalised.
“I think what happened last year was really, really bad for the sport,” said Sergio Perez.
“But we’ll see with the solution and see what it brings. Hopefully, it’s able to transform and have a much better solution.”
