Max Verstappen's second practice session in Mexico was abruptly halted because of an unusual sound coming from his engine, leading to an early conclusion of his day.

During the second practice session of the Mexico City Grand Prix, Max Verstappen had to halt his run prematurely because of a problem with his Formula 1 power unit.

In the second practice session, Verstappen only managed to do four laps and did not record a timed lap.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1 straight to your email inbox.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

The man from the Netherlands mentioned right away that he noticed an “odd sound” coming from his engine.

He communicated via the team radio, saying, "There is a strange sound coming from the engine."

During that moment, the Red Bull engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, instructed him to keep going.

Not long after, Verstappen communicated over the radio once more, expressing, "This sound is quite unsettling. It doesn’t seem normal."

Verstappen received instructions to enter the pit lane while Red Bull looked into the problem.

Following the incident involving George Russell that led to a red flag, Verstappen initially went back onto the circuit but soon made his way back to the pit lane.

Due to the unresolved issue, Verstappen was unable to carry out any significant laps during the second practice session.

On their official X account, Red Bull announced: "Car 1 will not participate in FP2 as we continue to look into a power unit problem."

Verstappen characterized his day as "essentially worthless".

Verstappen mentioned that the issue originated from the engine area, although he wasn't sure of the exact problem. He expressed that the day was largely unproductive for him, as he only completed four or five laps, providing little information to analyze at this time.

"I didn't have a successful session, managing only four or five laps altogether, even including some extended runs. It was definitely a day best left behind."

Max Verstappen leads the F1 drivers' championship by a margin of 57 points over Lando Norris, with five races remaining in the season.

After a contentious encounter with Norris during the United States Grand Prix, his advantage in the championship standings increased.

Norris received a five-second time penalty for passing Verstappen while off the track at Turn 12 during the race at COTA.

The penalty was pivotal in putting Norris behind Verstappen, which enabled Verstappen to extend his lead in the championship.

Explore Further

Join Our F1 Mailing List

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking Updates

Additional Stories

Site Index

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to entirely or partly reproduce text, images, or illustrations in any manner.

2024 Mexico City Grand Prix Formula 1 – Results from Friday's Practice Session

Complete rundown of the practice session on Friday for the Mexico City Grand Prix, marking the 20th race in the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship.

Friday's practice session outcomes for the Mexico City Grand Prix:

Session 2

Carlos Sainz was the fastest driver in the second practice session for the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent F1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock straight to your email inbox.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

The meeting was prolonged by half an hour, giving all the teams the opportunity to try out Pirelli's tyres designed for the upcoming year.

As a result, the session did not accurately reflect the usual speed.

Max Verstappen experienced reduced track time because of a problem with the power unit.

Session One

In the initial practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix, George Russell set the fastest time, finishing 0.3 seconds quicker than Sainz.

The initial hour of practice was chaotic, marked by two red flag interruptions.

The initial incident occurred due to debris on the main straight, whereas the subsequent one was significantly more intense.

Alex Albon, while approaching Oliver Bearman, lost control of his Williams, leading to a crash.

Find Out More

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1, delivered straight to your email.

To learn further details, please refer to our Privacy

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Website Directory

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to reproduce any part or the entirety of the text, images, or illustrations in any manner.

George Russell discusses his recent crash with Mercedes in Mexico, saying, "The vehicle began to bounce on the track, and before I could regain control, it was already spinning."

George Russell expressed his frustration following his recent crash during the second practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix, admitting that he feels like he's facing a series of continuous setbacks.

After 13 minutes had passed in the second practice session, Russell was involved in a significant crash at Turn

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing world straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Footage revealed Russell hitting the curb at Turn 8, which caused him to lose control and crash into the barriers.

The accident caused the session to be postponed for an extended period while the barrier was fixed.

Because of how serious the accident was, Russell was transported to the medical facility.

Fortunately, the Mercedes driver was unharmed and was discharged from the medical center.

Before that moment, it had been a successful day for Mercedes, as Russell was leading the times in the second practice session.

Considering his second accident in a week, Russell explained to F1TV in Mexico: “To be honest, I’m not sure what occurred. The car began to bounce on the track, and before I could regain control, I was already in a spin.”

"The team faced numerous challenges this evening, as it appears that issues keep arising one after the other."

"It's quite exasperating. In the first practice session, we performed exceptionally well and maintained great speed. I attempted to follow the same path by cutting the corner, but for some reason during the second practice session, the situation unexpectedly spiraled out of control."

Russell highlighted how crucial the last practice session was, especially since he couldn't participate in FP2, which was primarily a Pirelli tire test for the following year's compounds.

He mentioned that the second practice session, being a Pirelli tire test, didn't offer much useful information for the race weekend.

"Clearly, we didn't get enough laps in. The third practice session will be crucial. We just need to ensure the car is repaired in time."

Explore Further

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1 directly in your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Headlines

Website Index

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is not allowed to completely or partially copy text, images, or drawings in any manner.

George Russell describes the recent Mercedes collision in Mexico, saying, "The vehicle began to bounce on the track, and before I could regain control, I found myself spinning."

George Russell expressed his frustration following his recent accident during the second practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix, admitting that he feels like he's facing continuous challenges at the moment.

Just 13 minutes into the second practice session, Russell experienced a significant crash at Turn 8.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent F1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock straight to your email.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for further details.

Footage revealed that Russell hit the kerb at Turn 8, which caused him to lose control of his vehicle and crash into the barriers.

The accident caused a significant postponement of the session while the barrier was being fixed.

Because of how serious the accident was, Russell was transported to the medical facility.

Fortunately, the Mercedes driver was unhurt and was discharged from the medical facility.

Before that moment, Mercedes had experienced a successful day, as Russell had set the fastest time in the second practice session.

After experiencing his second accident within a week, Russell explained to F1TV in Mexico, "To be frank, I'm unsure of what occurred. The car suddenly began to bounce off the ground, and before I could regain control, I was already spinning."

"The team had to put in a significant amount of effort once more this evening. Currently, it feels like there's a constant stream of challenges."

"It's really annoying. During the first practice session, we were performing excellently and had a lot of speed. I attempted to use the same approach by cutting that corner, but for some reason in the second practice session, things just didn't go as planned."

Russell highlighted how crucial the last practice session is, especially since he was absent from the second practice, which was focused on testing Pirelli's tire compounds for the upcoming year.

He mentioned that the second practice session (FP2) didn't provide significant insights for the race weekend since it was mainly focused on testing Pirelli tires.

"Clearly, we didn't get enough laps in. The third practice session is going to be crucial. I just hope we're able to repair the car in time."

Explore Further

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the racing world straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Reports

Site Layout

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to fully or partially reproduce any text, images, or illustrations in any manner.

Kimi Antonelli expressed that he aimed to avoid taking any risks during his second, more relaxed practice session with Mercedes at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli confessed that during his second official Formula 1 session with Mercedes, he was cautious and avoided taking any chances to prevent a repeat of the error he made at Monza.

During his initial FP1 outing with Mercedes at the Italian Grand Prix, Antonelli experienced an early crash.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent F1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

During his debut appearance with the team, he exerted significant effort but ended up crashing at the Parabolica corner. This incident occurred just a day before he was announced as a Mercedes driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Antonelli took on a more relaxed strategy in Mexico when he took over driving duties for Lewis Hamilton's W15.

Looking back on the session, he remarked, "It was certainly a significant improvement over Monza. I approached today with a more composed driving style, avoiding unnecessary risks. My goal was simply to have a smooth session to accumulate laps and gain a better understanding of the car and the tires. Overall, it went quite well."

"I deliberately avoided pushing to the limit, aiming instead for a smooth and flawless session."

The 18-year-old faced challenges during FP1 when he drove over some debris.

The debris resulted in slight damage to the car's floor, which caused the session's initial interruption.

When questioned regarding the debris, he remarked, "To be frank, I didn't actually notice it, so it was unfortunate. I ended up with significant damage to the floor, which wasn't great. However, I was still able to complete a few laps."

Antonelli finished in 12th place in terms of speed, trailing 1.2 seconds behind Russell, who recorded the fastest time.

He admitted that he was "taken aback" by the amount of traction the soft tire provided during his quick lap.

He mentioned that he was working on boosting his confidence with each lap, and since it was his debut on the track, he aimed to absorb as much information as he could.

"Naturally, the increase in traction was significant when I switched to the soft tires. While driving on hard tires, I was completing back-to-back laps without alternating between slow and fast laps, so I didn't have the opportunity to focus on a single quick lap. Once I switched to the soft tires, I experienced a noticeable boost in grip, which caught me off guard, and I didn't fully capitalize on it."

Explore Further

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 pit lane straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Recent Updates

Additional Articles

Site Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to reproduce any text, photographs, or illustrations, either in whole or in part, in any manner.

Charles Leclerc describes Max Verstappen as constantly pushing the boundaries. "Occasionally, it crosses the line, but that's what brings excitement to Formula 1. It's these battles that truly make it thrilling."

Charles Leclerc believes that the thrilling nature of racing against Max Verstappen stems from Verstappen's tendency to push the boundaries of the rules.

Max Verstappen's conduct during close racing situations has been a major talking point after the United States Grand Prix.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing world straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

In Austin, the Formula 1 driver who has won the world championship three times avoided receiving a penalty for his maneuver against Lando Norris on the first lap.

Furthermore, Norris received the penalty for the incident at Turn 12, despite the fact that both drivers veered off the track.

Verstappen has received praise for his skill in pushing the boundaries of the rules during races.

During Thursday's FIA press conference, Leclerc was questioned regarding his confrontations with Verstappen.

"Leclerc commented that Max has consistently pushed the boundaries of the rules."

The thrill of competing against Max comes from the fact that he consistently pushes the boundaries, leaving no space for you. It's this intensity and adherence to the edge of the rules that make battling with him so enjoyable.

"That's why those battles are so thrilling."

Nevertheless, Leclerc expressed dissatisfaction with the FIA stewards' decisions regarding certain incidents, specifically mentioning the penalty Oscar Piastri received in the sprint race for his maneuver involving Pierre Gasly.

Leclerc commented, "With that in mind, I believe there are certain aspects from Austin that warrant a conversation with the FIA, as I think the penalties imposed were occasionally too severe."

"It's crucial for us drivers and the FIA to be on the same page, ensuring clarity about what actions are permissible. I'm specifically referring to Oscar's overtaking maneuver on Saturday, which, in my view, should not have resulted in a penalty."

"We are continuously working with the FIA to improve this process, and I am confident it will be a topic of discussion in our upcoming briefing. Regarding Max, he often pushes the boundaries of the regulations. Occasionally, he might cross those boundaries slightly, but that's part of what adds excitement to Formula 1. These intense battles are what make it thrilling."

Continue Reading

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of F1, delivered straight to your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Headlines

Additional Updates

Site Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to reproduce any text, images, or illustrations, whether in whole or in part, in any manner.

Sergio Perez believes a significant turnaround is possible after a challenging 2024 F1 campaign. "I'm aware that this season has been extremely tough and disappointing for me," he stated.

Sergio Perez believes he can improve his disappointing 2024 F1 season during the Mexico City Grand Prix this weekend.

Perez currently holds the eighth position in the F1 constructors' standings, trailing his Red Bull F1 teammate Max Verstappen by 204 points.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and offers related to F1 straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Since the Chinese Grand Prix held in April, the Mexican driver has not secured a podium finish in Formula 1.

Due to his lackluster performance, Red Bull has fallen behind McLaren in the Formula 1 constructors' rankings.

As he approaches his home race in Mexico, Red Bull holds a narrow lead of eight points over Ferrari.

On Thursday, while in Mexico, Perez admitted that his campaign has been "terrible."

"I've experienced a really tough season," he mentioned. "Although it began on a positive note, it turned out to be quite challenging."

"If I achieve a good outcome, it has the potential to significantly alter my season in terms of my personal satisfaction. I'm very motivated for this."

Perez emphasized the significance of maintaining "momentum" in Formula 1 during his challenging period of performance.

A 34-year-old competitor was set to secure a podium finish in Baku until an incident with Carlos Sainz brought the race to a premature end.

He emphasized the significance of momentum in Formula 1, saying that it's crucial. He explained that when you bring the car out and everything functions smoothly, you find yourself significantly ahead of those who are dealing with numerous issues after getting their cars on the track.

"I believe everyone feels the same way. However, I'm aware of how these sports operate, and they focus heavily on your most recent performance. There's definitely a chance for my season to turn around completely."

"The key thing is that we need to find a way to feel at ease with the car, as right now we can't tap into its full capabilities. Each weekend, we experiment with various setups, trying something new every time. This approach makes the entire Grand Prix significantly more challenging."

Perez had to withdraw from last year's race in Mexico due to an error in judgment during the first lap while competing for the lead.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the Formula 1 paddock delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Top Stories

Additional Updates

Site Navigation

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to entirely or partially reproduce any text, photographs, or illustrations in any manner.

Max Verstappen quipped that he requires a manual inside his vehicle because Formula 1 has become excessively governed by regulations.

Max Verstappen humorously suggested that he might require a rulebook inside his car because of the excessive regulations in Formula 1.

Last weekend's United States Grand Prix saw a contentious altercation between the current world champion and F1 title contender Lando Norris, an event that has put the sport's racing regulations under scrutiny.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1 straight to your email.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for further details.

Norris missed out on a podium spot due to a five-second penalty imposed on him for overtaking Verstappen outside the track limits. This incident occurred after both drivers veered off course at Turn 12 during their fight for third place, with only four laps left at the Circuit of The Americas.

Red Bull's Verstappen, who avoided penalty for pushing Norris off the track at Turn 1 at the beginning of Sunday's race, thinks that the rules for racing in F1 are becoming overly complex.

The Dutch driver commented that they are reaching a point where he nearly requires the book in the car, as they prepare for the Mexico City Grand Prix this weekend.

"That's the situation. I believe that if you examine it, you'll see that over time, the book has expanded significantly with additional rules."

When questioned about whether he considers Formula 1's rules during races, Verstappen responded: "Absolutely. With the current racing guidelines, there's an effort to clarify numerous aspects."

"The situation is certainly subject to too many regulations. However, I also understand the perspective that if we remove some of these rules and something goes wrong, people will argue that we need stricter regulations and more enforcement."

"It's a recurring situation; in the past, we had fewer regulations, leading to the same debate. People argue that we need to implement stricter measures on various issues. It's a narrative that repeats itself."

As the weekend approaches, Verstappen holds a 57-point lead over Norris in the championship standings, with five grand prix races and two sprint events still to take place this year.

Explore Further

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive stories, interviews, and special offers from the world of Formula 1 delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Headlines

Additional Updates

Website Index

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Copying either the entire content or just portions of text, images, or drawings is strictly prohibited in any manner.

Lando Norris stands by his disagreement with the penalty he received in Austin, pledging to make minor adjustments in the future. The F1 driver continues to contest the stewards' call.

Lando Norris has promised to make minor adjustments when he races against Max Verstappen following their contentious clash at the United States Grand Prix.

After receiving a five-second penalty for passing Verstappen while off the track, Norris was defeated by him.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive all the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 world straight to your email.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy

The event sparked debate because Norris was pushed off the track when Verstappen applied his brakes too late at Turn 12.

Because of how the rules are currently phrased, the corner was considered Verstappen's since he reached the apex before anyone else. Therefore, Norris was expected to give up his position.

During a media session in Mexico, which included Crash.net, Norris was questioned about whether he should adopt a more assertive strategy after the Austin event.

He responded by saying, "To be frank, it's a complex issue. It's not a straightforward yes. Do I need to implement some modifications? Absolutely. I also need to adjust a bit further. However, it's not that everything I'm doing is incorrect, either. It's a challenging situation because, as we observed, Max was indifferent to whether he finished first, second, or third."

"His sole responsibility was to defeat me, and he accomplished that, so he performed well in that regard."

"I really enjoyed myself and appreciated the competition we shared. However, he ultimately came out ahead, and I need to find a way to surpass him. I recognize there are minor adjustments I need to make, but I don't see the need to overhaul my entire strategy."

Norris has consistently opposed the stewards' decision to give him a five-second penalty at the Circuit of the Americas.

The McLaren driver disclosed that he hasn't had a conversation with Verstappen regarding the incident and suggested that he might alter his racing approach when competing against the current world champion.

He stated, "I haven't had any conversations with Max whatsoever. He acted according to what he believed was correct, while I did what I considered appropriate. I continue to hold a different view, and I believe our team also remains in disagreement."

"The majority of viewers likely opposed the penalty I received. However, I’m prepared to adjust my approach, whether that means being more assertive in certain situations or easing up. Ultimately, I'll act according to what I believe is appropriate."

Verstappen holds a "strong advantage"

As the Mexico City Grand Prix approaches this weekend, Verstappen leads Norris by 57 points in the drivers' championship standings.

With only five races remaining, Verstappen is strongly positioned to secure his fourth consecutive championship.

Norris admitted that Verstappen has the advantage of being able to take more chances due to his substantial lead in the championship standings.

"Of course, Max excels in his field and is likely the top performer globally," Norris stated. "Facing someone of his caliber is undoubtedly challenging. He's had more experience competing at this level than I have. While my performance isn't flawless, it's certainly not poor either."

"I'm continuing to be present and steering clear of accidents. Many of our actions could have led to serious incidents, like larger crashes. I've managed to prevent these and remained in races that might have concluded sooner."

"However, there are aspects with which I disagree. Despite this, I still want to continue racing and prefer not to have regulations governing every single detail. Specifically, I didn't agree with the way I received a penalty last weekend, nor with the resulting consequences, and that's the only thing I believe should be revised."

"It's evident what he aims to achieve, and the path for me is challenging, with risks of getting involved in crashes, particularly at places like Turn 1 or Turn 12. He's in a stronger position than I am, so it's our job, mine and the team's, to find a way to counteract that advantage."

Explore Further

Join Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Current Updates

Additional Reports

Website Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Copying or reproducing the text, images, or drawings, either fully or partially, is prohibited in any format.

Oscar Piastri dismisses Helmut Marko’s assertion about Red Bull: “I’m extremely satisfied with my current situation”

Oscar Piastri has rejected the possibility of a move to Red Bull, responding to Helmut Marko’s recent statement.

Oscar Piastri has dismissed claims that his team is advocating for him to move to Red Bull.

As reported by Helmut Marko, Mark Webber, who manages Piastri, is making a strong effort to initiate discussions with the team.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

In an interview with F1-Insider, Marko mentioned, "To put it differently, Mark Webber is actively trying to engage in discussions."

Oscar Piastri is signed with McLaren through the conclusion of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Despite this, Marko and Red Bull have continued to show interest in Piastri and his teammate, Lando Norris.

As questions linger about Max Verstappen's future plans and with Sergio Perez consistently falling short of expectations, a potential opportunity may arise soon.

Piastri responded to Marko's remarks during a press session with media outlets, such as Crash.net, in Mexico on Thursday.

Oscar Piastri expressed his contentment with his current situation, stating that he has no intentions of leaving. He mentioned that his contract extends for another two years after the current one. Piastri also noted that no week in Formula 1 would be complete without a remark from Helmut Marko.

Although Norris typically holds an advantage over Piastri, the Australian driver has delivered several remarkable performances.

In Azerbaijan, he stood out by passing Charles Leclerc and then successfully staying ahead of the Ferrari racer.

McLaren is set to potentially win their first constructors' title since 1998.

Piastri acknowledged that the rumors about Red Bull are flattering but emphasized that he is content with his current position at McLaren.

"Not hugely, it's a flattering comment, I suppose, but honestly, I'm quite content with my current situation. I believe they have a large selection of drivers to pick from if they wish," Piastri remarked.

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent updates, unique content, interviews, and special offers from the F1 paddock right in your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Current Updates

Additional Articles

Site Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to reproduce any part or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

Lewis Hamilton claims that Max Verstappen has taken advantage of unclear aspects in Formula 1's racing regulations.

Lewis Hamilton thinks that Max Verstappen has managed to avoid receiving penalties in his contests with competitors for a considerable time because of ambiguities in Formula 1's racing regulations.

The racing rules in Formula 1 have come under intense scrutiny following a contentious incident between Verstappen and his championship competitor Lando Norris in the final moments of the United States Grand Prix last weekend.

Sign up for our Formula 1 Newsletter

Receive the newest Formula 1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the racing world directly in your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Norris missed out on a podium spot after receiving a five-second penalty. This penalty was given because he gained a lasting advantage by overtaking Verstappen off the track. Both drivers had gone wide while competing for the lead with four laps remaining in the race.

Both George Russell and Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull received identical penalties for forcing competitors off the track during the grand prix. However, Verstappen was not penalized for pushing Norris off the track at the beginning of the race at Turn 1.

The varying decisions made by the stewards at COTA have prompted multiple drivers to urge F1 to establish a consistent team of permanent stewards.

"It's always been unclear, which is why he's been able to continue for such a long time," Hamilton said to reporters, including those from Crash.net, in Mexico City. "They definitely need to make some changes."

There are discrepancies in decisions every weekend, varying by the year. As a sport, we must improve across all aspects. When compared to other international sports, they employ full-time referees, which could be beneficial for us as well.

"I've gone through this situation with Max on several occasions. You shouldn't be allowed to dive inside, get ahead, go off the track, and still keep your position. This is something that definitely needs to be addressed."

Russell agreed with Hamilton's opinion and shared that the drivers were already set to talk about several issues after the Friday drivers' meeting in Mexico, which was before the controversial weekend in Austin.

In the end, Russell acknowledged that the stewards are putting in their best effort. He noted that they are working diligently and adhering to a specific set of rules.

"The key to maintaining consistency is having the same officials at each race weekend. Currently, although the stewards are highly experienced, they are participating in what seems to be a volunteer capacity."

"It's not a job that offers professional compensation. Take football for instance; despite some disputes, referees in that sport are professionals and it is their full-time occupation."

"That's the source of their earnings. Given the current state of the sport, that's likely the path we should take."

Explore Further

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special content, interviews, and offers related to Formula 1 delivered straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Updates

Site Map

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to copy any part or the entirety of the text, images, or drawings in any manner.

F1 drivers express dissatisfaction over racing regulations leading up to the Mexico City Grand Prix. The racers shared their opinions about the sport’s rules before the event.

After the contentious incident between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen at the United States Grand Prix, the discussion at media day in the Mexico City paddock was heavily focused on Formula 1's racing regulations.

During Thursday's media session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, several drivers expressed their frustration regarding the F1 racing regulations, as reported by outlets such as Crash.net.

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers from the Formula 1 paddock straight to your email inbox.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Appeals for Practicality

Charles Leclerc from Ferrari recognized that the issue is "quite complicated," but advocated for using "practical judgment."

"It's an incredibly complicated issue, to be frank," he remarked. "I don't possess the definitive solution. I believe that, in some cases, relying on common sense is necessary."

No matter how many rules are created, it's impossible to cover every unique scenario that arises on the track. Occasionally, it's essential for someone with extensive experience to evaluate the circumstances, be truthful, and address the issue at hand based on the particular situation they are witnessing.

"I believe we will never have a single rule that precisely dictates how we should compete in races."

RB’s driver Yuki Tsunoda voiced his annoyance over the current regulatory approach in Formula 1, feeling that drivers are expected to perform with machine-like precision.

Tsunoda expressed that it seems as though there is an expectation for them to operate vehicles as if they were robots, adhering meticulously to every traffic regulation.

Ultimately, we are engaged in the sport of racing. This is what draws people in; the intense competition between drivers is driven by passion. We strive to compete with fervor. If that element is taken away, it will resemble AI competing, similar to what happened in Abu Dhabi [A2RL]. Watching that is more appealing.

"It's definitely challenging; this has been a subject of discussion in motorsports for many years. However, there's hope that eventually we can become more unified."

Advocating for Consistent Stewards

Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have suggested establishing a fixed group of stewards.

"Seven-time world champion Hamilton stated that the sport requires improvement across all aspects."

"When we examine other sports around the world, we see that they employ referees on a full-time basis. I believe adopting a similar approach could be beneficial for our own sport."

"I've gone through this situation with Max several times… When you launch the car on the inside and go off track, you shouldn't maintain your position."

"We need to improve our skills a little."

Russell, who is on the same team, agreed by saying, "Ultimately, the stewards are putting in their best effort. They're doing their utmost, and they adhere to a specific set of rules."

"Perhaps what we need is to ensure consistency, something we've discussed previously. Consistency can only be achieved if the same stewards are present at each race weekend. Currently, the stewards, although highly experienced, are essentially serving as volunteers."

"This role does not come with professional compensation. Taking football as an example, despite ongoing debates, referees in that sport are professionals who earn their livelihood from it as a full-time job. Given the current state of our sport, moving towards a similar model seems to be the logical path forward."

In response, Sergio Perez from Red Bull remarked, "I believe that with a schedule of 24 races, it's impossible to find a steward who would be willing to take on the job on a permanent basis."

"Additionally, I believe it becomes quite challenging as the day concludes because the two stewards involved may hold differing views."

"You often feel as though the choice is not in your favor. The saying 'what goes around comes around' rings true. Making the right decisions in these situations is always challenging. In the end, avoiding trouble is probably the wisest course of action."

Might altering the circuit be beneficial?

Carlos Sainz from Ferrari thinks that modifying the circuit could address the problem.

Sainz expressed that while discussing guidelines is important, it will be challenging to resolve the issue unless the circuits also cooperate.

"If there were a gravel trap at the exit of Turn 12 in Austin, Lando would likely reconsider his decision to brake so late and ease off the brake, as overtaking on the outside would cost him two seconds and dirty his tires. Similarly, Max would likely hesitate to brake late to avoid the risk of ending up in the gravel."

"If you consider it, the issue might be addressed through circuit standards or modifications. We often find ourselves stuck in a loop with guidelines that could potentially be resolved with minor alterations to the track, a step that some tracks have already undertaken."

Russell, who serves as the director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, mentioned that at the Austrian Grand Prix last year, there were 300 track limit violations. However, after gravel was added, such issues disappeared.

"If gravel were placed at that corner, Max wouldn't have gone off the track and overtaken, nor would he have braked so late and gone off. We need to address the underlying issue."

Alex Albon from Williams noted that some tracks never experience these types of disputes.

He pointed out that while it's possible to debate each overtake, each defensive move, and every instant on the track, these issues don't arise when we race in Singapore, Monaco, or any other location. He noted that the availability of additional track space simplifies things considerably.

It's possible to force a driver out and assert that the corner belongs to you. Similarly, you can maintain your position on the outside and argue that the other driver forced you out. These tactics are ingrained in us as drivers from a young age. We understand the nuances of the sport and recognize the challenges the FIA faces in determining fault in many situations.

"Gasly from Alpine, who received a penalty at the Circuit of the Americas for overtaking Albon while off the track, expressed: 'I believe there is one regulation that should be revised.'"

The key is whoever gets their front axle to the apex first has the right of way. However, the level of control over the car at that moment is crucial. If not managed well, it could lead to scenarios where drivers recklessly charge into the corner without commitment, solely to ensure their front axle reaches the apex first.

"Even if you fail to navigate the turn successfully, it remains your responsibility. However, this could lead to additional issues, such as having all the cars veer off the track. Furthermore, the person given priority might not face any penalties, and so on."

"I understand the current rule as it is written and acknowledge its necessity. However, I believe that in the future, adjustments are needed to ensure greater fairness in our competitions."

Sainz admitted that it slightly alters how they approach racing.

He explained that when you're the one defending and on the inside, you have the ability to delay braking as much as you like. This allows you to pretend that you're aiming for the apex, even if that might not be your actual intention.

"That is precisely one of the key issues we need to address. I assumed that after the incident in Brazil in 2021, where Max forced Lewis off the track and missed the corner yet maintained his lead, it was fairly evident that staying within track boundaries while defending is necessary."

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our F1 Newsletter

Receive the most recent Formula 1 updates, special content, interviews, and offers from the racetrack straight to your email.

To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Breaking Updates

Additional Reports

Site Index

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to reproduce any part or the entirety of the text, images, or illustrations in any manner.