Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB19. 20.10.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 19, United States Grand Prix, Austin, Texas, USA, Qualifying Day
The FIA made overnight alterations to the track limits at the Circuit of the Americas ahead of Saturday’s running in the United States Grand Prix.
Track limits initiated a heightened debate among drivers last time out in Qatar, where 51 lap times were deleted in the race and 10 time penalties awarded to drivers.
Lance Stroll was one of those to be penalised, with the Aston Martin driver brandishing the decisions as a “joke”, adding the stewards now “don’t understand Formula 1”
This weekend has already seen the discussion surrounding track limits become a main talking point following Max Verstappen’s deleted time in qualifying on Friday.
The Dutchman managed to pip Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to pole position by just 0.005s, but his time was wiped out due to venturing outside of the white line at the penultimate corner.
Following the traditional Friday night drivers’ briefing, the FIA has amended the track limits at three corners on the COTA track.
“Following discussion with the teams and drivers yesterday we have widened the white line on the outside at Turns 9, 12 and 19 – this is to give the drivers a bit of extra margin at these corners,” the FIA addressed.
The extended white line was most noticeable at the same Turn 19 corner where Verstappen was marginally caught out in qualifying.
Only Pierre Gasly in the Alpine fell foul of the revised limits during Saturday’s Sprint Shootout, an incident which had no bearing on the Frenchman’s progression beyond Q1.
Keyword: FIA extend track limits at three corners at US GP