F1 News: Red Bull solves 'track limits' issue for Austrian GP

(GMM) F1’s governing body and track owner Red Bull have moved to prevent the sort of ‘track limits’ chaos that marred last year’s running of the Austrian GP.

In 2023, the Formula 1 event at the Red Bull Ring descended into farce with over 1000 ‘track limit’ violations, a hail-storm of penalties, and post-race results delays and protests.

In collaboration with the FIA, race organizers think they have solved the problem for this weekend’s Austrian GP at the Red Bull Ring.

A temporary gravel strip has been added on the other side of the curbs at the biggest trouble-spots – turns 9 and 10.

“Anyone who drives onto it or even touches it will be at a disadvantage,” said Erich Wolf, general manager at the Red Bull Ring.

“That solves the problem by itself,” he added.

Gravel strips added to Red Bull Ring to stop track limit violations

Wolf explained that the strips of gravel can be easily removed after the Formula 1 weekend, as it will not be appropriate for the MotoGP race in August.

“We can’t optimize the track for one (category) and then the others can’t drive anymore,” he said.

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The rules and penalties

Simply put, ‘exceeding track limits’ is when all four tires cross the white line surrounding the racing surface.

According to article 33.3 of the Sporting Regulations, “Drivers must make every reasonable effort to use the track at all times and may not leave the track without a justifiable reason.

“Drivers will be judged to have left the track if no part of the car remains in contact with it and, for the avoidance of doubt, any white lines defining the track edges are considered to be part of the track, but the curbs are not.

“Should a car leave the track, the driver may re-join, however, this may only be done when it is safe to do so and without gaining any lasting advantage. At the absolute discretion of the Race Director, a driver may be given the opportunity to give back the whole of any advantage he gained by leaving the track.”