F1 drivers have been told the FIA will take a “zero tolerance” approach to anyone exceeding track limits to gain an advantage during the British GP weekend.
Last year, several drivers had their best laptimes erased for running wide off track at Copse during qualifying. In a note issued to the teams by FIA race director Charlie Whiting on Saturday morning, it was again made clear laptimes achieved by running wide at Copse, Stowe and Club will be deleted.
“Further to the discussion in the drivers meeting on Friday evening I would like to confirm that we will again be adopting a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to cars leaving the track at Turns 9, 15 and 18 during qualifying,” said Whiting. “Unless we are satisfied that a driver left the track at these points for reasons beyond his control, having been forced off the track for example, every laptime achieved by leaving the track will be deleted in accordance with article 12.3.1.d of the [International] Sporting Code“. Whiting added drivers will also be reported to the stewards if they gained a “clear and lasting advantage by leaving the track” during the race.
