The FIA is reportedly set to close the ‘ahead at the apex’ loophole that has allowed Max Verstappen to defend so aggressively against his F1 rivals, following a driver’s meeting at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Verstappen’s aggression during his battle with Lando Norris at last weekend’s United States Grand Prix triggered a hotly-contested debate within the paddock this time around, with many of his rivals calling out his borderline moves while accepting that they were legal as per the regulations.
Now, according to a report from Motorsport.com, the FIA is taking action following an ‘unusually long’ driver’s meeting in Mexico City. The proposed changes will be presented to the grid at the next meeting in Qatar next month.
The FIA provided clarity on the meeting in a statement, explaining that “there was a general commitment to continue to update the driving standards guidelines”.
This will be music to the ears of some of Verstappen’s fellow drivers. Current title rival Norris and former adversary Lewis Hamilton were among those who called out the spirit of his attacking moves in the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez paddock.
“It’s always been a grey area,” Hamilton said on Thursday. “They probably need to make some adjustments for sure. Also, we do have inconsistencies through rulings depending on which stewards are there.
“And as a sport, we do need to level up on all areas. I experienced it many times with Max. You shouldn’t be able to just launch the car up the inside and then go off and still hold the position.”
Norris, meanwhile, said: “I think the majority of people don’t agree it (US GP penalty) was correct, but that’s life and sometimes it doesn’t go your way. I think things just need to be clear for the future on what’s allowed and what’s not.
“I think the fact of getting off your brakes to achieve just the ruling of being ahead at apex no matter how wide you run on the exit, is incorrect and I don’t think that’s how racing should be. Of course, that’s the ruling at the minute and that’s just what you’ve got to deal with. So, I think there needs to be some tweaks.”
