The Qatar Grand Prix saw a significant number of track limit violations, with 1,200 reported to stewards. This resulted in a significant number of time penalties having to be re-implemented. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) was not pleased with the amount of violations and has issued a clear appeal to circuits. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem warned that if they do not adhere to track limits regulations, they could be subject to exclusion from the F1 schedule.
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Circuit owners, according to the FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, should begin to ensure that drivers and stewards are aware of the track limits on a given track. This could be achieved by introducing gravel bins, which would enable drivers to be aware of the absolute limit without having to search for it. Ben Sulayem also opined for smoother exit lanes to be implemented, although he made it clear that the FIA does not have the financial resources to undertake such investments.
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According to the FIA president, If circuits do not prevent track limits-farce in advance, they will lose their place on the calendar as there will be no race. Ben Sulayem explicitly mentions the Qatar Grand Prix, but also the one in Austria at the Red Bull Ring.
“You’re absolutely right about it, we had the same issue in Austria, it was 1200. “And I have to say, congratulations to the stewards because they spotted it. But is that the solution? No.
“The solution is to improve the track itself. I know some are resistant to it, but to tell you the truth, if they don’t, there is no race. It is as simple as this. We can’t afford this,” Ben Sulayem was quoted as saying.
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