Emilia Romagna Grand Prix: Formula One introduces new track limits in Imola circuit

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is the next stop for the 2021 Formula One calendar. The opening race in Bahrain was won by Lewis Hamilton with Max Verstappen coming in second position. With the win in Bahrain, Hamilton is on course to win an eighth Formula One title and 100 Grand Prix wins. However, heading into the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix which will be held in Imola, track limits have now been introduced. 

According to a report in Motorsports Week, F1 Race Director Michael Masi said track limits will be enforced at Imola. Drivers will have their lap times deleted if they leave the track through the exit of the Piratella left-hander at Turn 9. The penalty will apply for the exit of the Variante Alta chicane at Turn 15. They have been told they cannot leave the track on the apex of Acque Minerali, Turn 13. This will result in a deletion of a lap time.

Drivers will receive the black-and-white flag after the third violation. Any further cutting will be reported to the stewards.

What are track imits?

During the Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen completed an overtaking maneuver on race-leader Lewis Hamilton. However, the Dutchman had all four wheels outside the track. Verstappen was instructed to give the place back to Hamilton and this caused controversy.

What are the track limits? According to Section 21 of Formula One’s Track Regulations, it states, “A lap time achieved during any practice session by leaving the track and cutting behind the red and white kerb on the exit of (a turn), will result in that lap time being invalidated by the stewards.”

However, according to Article 27.3 in the Sporting Regulations of F1, it stated, “Drivers must make every reasonable effort to use the track at all times and may not leave the track without a justifiable reason. At the absolute discretion of the Race Director, a driver may be given the opportunity to give back the whole of any advantage he gained by leaving the track.”

The controversy was that since Verstappen had all four wheels outside the track, it gave him a lasting advantage. Hamilton, reportedly, had gone off the particular turn 29 times but was not sanctioned. The F1 authorities were criticised for having no clarity on track limits.