In recent seasons, gravel run-offs have practically disappeared, giving way to asphalt. This has been done primarily to improve rider safety, however it has also sparked much debate.
The pilots try to take advantage of every centimeter of asphalt, even if it is outside the white lines that delimit the track. To prevent this from happening, the former Formula 1 driver and currently a member of Formula E, Lucas di Grassi, tried to contribute his ideas.
“We had one of the best seasons in Formula 1, but everyone complains. It’s a bit like politics. It’s quite funny and interesting to see everyone’s reactions and anger. But I’m talking about the rules and what makes be more or less exciting.
“The main topic of discussion at the moment is the limits of the tracks. If for example the Jeddah circuit had walls next to the track, no run-offs, just the white lines and walls, there would never be any doubt. You can also opt for leave the gravel, but that’s far from ideal.
According to di Grassi, circuits try to keep their costs as low as possible with asphalt run-offs, while also gaining more track time: “In many motorsports, Formula 1 included, the car gets stuck in the gravel. This It’s not convenient, because the session stops and you have to remove the car, so they prefer asphalt loopholes.”
Di Grassi’s solution to track limits in F1
“In my opinion, a solution must be found where we create a kind of virtual wall. A solution that is black and white, where if the car exceeds the limit of the track due to its own fault or a mechanical failure, be punished.”
“We want there to be gravel or a wall. But of course for safety reasons we don’t. The best way to control it is electronically with sensors or GPS. So if you know the car has gone off the track, you create a automatic penalty. This could be, for example, the engine losing power for a few seconds or the DRS being deactivated for four or five laps. You have to give a penalty, but you don’t.”
According to di Grassi, it is a chaos that each action in question has to go to race direction, it takes time and it is a long discussion, therefore, Di Grassi proposes an automated system: “Then, as I have already said, It becomes a black or white decision. We have to create a virtual wall, so we get a driver not to damage the car, but, for example, he will have a penalty”.
“In my opinion, that is the best solution for the future. Obviously, all the drivers will also adapt. It is not dangerous, because if you run out of fuel or battery you have the same situation. In my opinion, there is no other solution with such This is my proposal, but I’m not looking forward to all the answers either,” the Brazilian concluded with a wink.
