In a departure from the current trend of having tracks surrounded by vast expanses of asphalt runoff, the sandy gravel on the edge of the circuit will either penalize those who veer off course or reward those who take risks.
The adjustments to the track were discussed by Formula 1 drivers during the press conference held by the FIA prior to the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring on Thursday, just before the start of the weekend’s first practice session in Spielberg.
Charles Leclerc, the Ferrari driver, commented on the modifications: “It’s intriguing. I’ve seen pictures. These two corners were already quite challenging before the introduction of the gravel traps in Turns 9 and 10. However, now it’s clear where the track limits are. We won’t encounter this issue anymore, which is a positive development. But, of course, I still need to drive on the track to give you my exact thoughts. On paper, though, it seems promising,” Leclerc concluded.
Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver and three-time Formula 1 World Champion, arrived late to the press conference and also shared his perspective on the track modifications at what is essentially his second home race. Expect to see large sections of the Spielberg hills adorned in orange over the next three days.
Regarding the track modifications, Verstappen stated, “It’s a fantastic track to drive on. I always enjoy it immensely, particularly the high-speed corners. However, due to the layout and the run-off areas behind them, we are constantly discussing track limits. It’s somewhat problematic because throughout the lap, the tires overheat and the front tires become extremely hot. This causes the car to naturally understeer wide, and sometimes it occurs even before entering the corner, resulting in a few millimeters off track, which then leads to a penalty. I hope that the introduction of gravel will alleviate this issue to some extent. It will require drivers to exercise more caution and precision. We’ll see if it’s the right approach. Currently, no one has a definitive solution for what is best. Additionally, we have to share the track with other categories such as MotoGP, which makes it challenging to find the optimal solution,” Verstappen reflected. Notably, Verstappen has won the Austrian Grand Prix five times at his team’s home circuit.
In addition, contributing to the discussion, the driver who is most likely to test the efficiency of the kitty-litter track boundaries, Williams driver Logan Sargeant, expressed his opinion: “It’s always challenging here. I don’t think it will completely solve the issue, to be honest. I was able to exceed the track limits in Imola at Turn 9, which is nearly impossible. So if they can do it there, I believe it’s still possible to do it here.
“And in the future, I would like to see a way where it’s completely eliminated through the track design. I think there’s always an opportunity for it, and there’s no reason for it,” added the American.
Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu from Stake F1 Team also agreed: “I think there will still be infringements of track limits, for sure, but it’s a more pleasant way to understand that you’re out if you touch the gravel. There are certain tracks where every driver is quite satisfied. But let’s see, I think it will still be a challenging one to assess.”
“It’s a positive modification,” stated Yuki Tsunoda from VCARB. “But let’s hope it won’t be like Monza, the second chicane, where all the gravel ends up on the racetrack and increases the chance of a tire puncture. That’s it. But hopefully, it’s beneficial.”
The first practice session (FP1) on Friday in Austria will provide the initial indication of the effectiveness of the reintroduced track limits. As a general rule, similar to walls, gravel traps located on the edges of tracks (for example, Melbourne is an example of both) keep drivers under control. (Quotes obtained from Agnes Carlier at Red Bull Ring)