The final results of the 71-lap race continue to hang in balance as of Sunday evening due to a protest lodged by Aston Martin regarding the enforcement of track limit violations.
Among the twenty racers, only Mercedes’ George Russell and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso emerged without at least a single track limit violation. A majority of these incidents occurred on the speedy right turns of Turns 9 and 10.
FIA reports suggest that more than 1200 instances of cars potentially exiting the track boundaries – by moving all four wheels past the white lines – were reported to the race control.
This influx of reports created an unprecedented scenario that left the governing body incapable of reviewing all possible violations during the Grand Prix.
An FIA representative stated: “In view of the track limit violations at the 2023 FIA Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix, we recognize that the specific circuit design and the tendency of many drivers to consistently drive outside the track’s boundaries led to an unusual situation where all possible violations could not be reviewed during the race.
“Even before a protest against the race’s result was lodged, we had initiated a thorough review of the track limit violations, which is currently ongoing.
“Race control had the hefty task of reviewing more than 1200 instances where a car was reported as possibly leaving the track during the Grand Prix.
“The final results will be updated once the review of those violations not reviewed during the race is completed.”
F1 Flow.com reports that the delayed enforcement of track limits during the race frustrated teams, possibly hindering them from warning drivers when they were one violation away from a five-second penalty, signaled by the black-and-white flag.
The FIA emphasized that it will persist in its efforts to encourage the Red Bull Ring management to set up gravel traps, similar to those on the outside of Turn 4, to more clearly delineate the final two corners.
However, this recommendation has been resisted in the past as the Austrian venue also hosts motorcycle races including the premier MotoGP.
The FIA further added: “To address this issue for future races, we will recommend once more that the circuit adds a gravel trap at the exit of Turns 9 and 10.
“While this solution isn’t simple given the other series racing here, it has proven highly effective at other corners and circuits facing similar problems.”
Related Reads:
Norris anticipated Hamilton receiving more F1 track limit penalties at Austrian GP
Aston Martin lodges protest against Austrian GP F1 results
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about F1 Track Limit Violations
Q: Why are the results of the Austrian GP provisional?
A: The results of the Austrian Grand Prix remain provisional due to a protest filed by Aston Martin regarding the enforcement of track limit violations. This protest has led to a review of the violations, causing a delay in finalizing the results.
Q: How many track limit violations were reported during the race?
A: Over 1200 cases of potential track limit violations were reported to race control during the Austrian GP. These violations occurred as cars strayed beyond the painted white lines, particularly in the high-speed right-handers of Turns 9 and 10.
Q: Why couldn’t all potential infringements be reviewed during the race?
A: The FIA stated that an “unprecedented situation” arose due to the specific circuit layout and the consistent driving of many drivers outside the track boundaries. This situation made it impossible for the governing body to review all potential infringements during the race, resulting in a delay in the review process.
Q: Why were teams frustrated with the policing of track limits during the race?
A: Teams were frustrated with the delayed enforcement of track limits during the Austrian GP. This delay may have contributed to teams being unable to warn drivers when they were shown a black-and-white flag, indicating they were one violation away from receiving a five-second penalty.
Q: What measures will be taken to address the track limit issues for future events?
A: The FIA plans to renew its recommendation to the Red Bull Ring management to install gravel traps at the exit of Turns 9 and 10. This measure aims to better define the final two corners and has proven effective at other circuits with similar track limit issues. However, implementing this solution may be challenging due to the venue also hosting motorcycle racing, including MotoGP.
More about F1 Track Limit Violations
- Aston Martin protests Austrian GP F1 results
- FIA unable to review 1200 potential F1 track limit offences in Austrian GP
- Norris expected Hamilton to get further F1 track limits penalties in Austrian GP
5 comments
Aston Martin shaking things up! Love the drama in F1. But seriously, 1200+ violations? That’s wild! Let’s hope the FIA learns from this and improves the policing of track limits. #AustrianGP #FIA
FIA’s overwhelmed with track limit violations. They couldn’t review them all during the race?! Come on, guys! Get the penalties right and sort out the gravel traps. Safety first, excitement second! #F1 #AustrianGP
Aston Martin causing chaos with their protest! But seriously, FIA shud’ve been more prepared. 1200+ cases? Unbelievable! Let’s hope they fix the track limit issues for future races. #AustrianGP #F1
1200+ track limit violationz??? Thatz crazy! FIA needs to get their act together. Delayed policing & delayed results, it’s frustr8ing for teams & fans. #F1 #TrackLimits
lol fia coudnt evn review all thos limit infringements! gud thing Aston Martin complained. race results stil not final, wat a mess! #AustrianGP