Quote:
Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium
Yeah . LEW exceeded -29 times- the track limits in just one race (!)
I'm not sure , but think that's a F1 record ...
And of course : No penalty for LEW or whatsoever (!) 
The FIA regulations work very well  |
F1 2021 Bahrain race highlights:
here.
The 29 track limits violations in Turn 4 contributed in securing the 2021 Bahrain race victory for Hamilton (gaining a speed advantage). Given the frequency: intentional - not accidental. We don't know whether also Verstappen committed the same unsportsmanlike behavior so blatantly in Turn 4 during that GP. We do know though that Verstappen was required to give P1 back to Hamilton after a track limits violation in the closing stages of that race. Hamilton 25 points - Verstappen 18 points. The controversial opening of a controversial season with a fitting end, as if all 'unpaid season 2021 bills' were settled by the proverbial 'race gods' during the final lap of the 2021 season.
In May 2021, Verstappen acknowledged that
"we do need to find a solution" to the ongoing issues around track limits.
"Of course I understand, some tracks we race together on with MotoGP, and of course they want a bit different kerbs to what we like. But I think we still need to find a bit of, let's say, middle way which works for both. With our cornering speeds, basically we can really abuse the whole track because of the grip we have with the cars, which just makes it really difficult sometimes to really judge proper track limits. But from my side, I think we should try and put a bit more gravel back in places. Of course it's sometimes not what tracks want, because when you have track days and people go off, the gravel comes onto the track, they need to clean it, it all costs money to put it back in place. But I think it's just sometimes a bit confusing, also from the outside where, you know some places you run onto a kerb, some places are policed with a white line…"
(
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...NEAxistIRrC6HN)
In the meantime, use of the black-and-white flag has been refreshed:
Williams:
"The Black and White Flag: Unsportsmanlike Behavior
The black-and-white flag warns a driver of their unsportsmanlike behaviour or minor infringements.
It's akin to a yellow card in football, where there is no immediate impact to the recipient but tells them that their actions are under scrutiny, and further infractions could result in a penalty.
Dangerous driving, such as unsafely compromising other drivers, exceeding track limits, or other unsportsmanlike behaviour, might trigger the black-and-white flag.
Marshals will show the black-and-white flag alongside a board with the unsporting car's number to indicate which driver is at fault."
(
https://www.williamsf1.com/posts/3cd...s-of-formula-1)
Red Bull Racing:
"Black and white flag
In Formula 1 racing, the black and white flag is used as a warning flag to indicate unsportsmanlike conduct or a breach of racing regulations. When this flag is shown to a driver, it serves as a cautionary measure to alert them that their driving behavior has been observed and deemed questionable by race officials.
The black and white flag is typically displayed alongside the car number on the start/finish line or shown by marshals at specific points on the track. It signifies that the driver has been involved in an incident or engaged in actions that are considered potentially dangerous or in violation of the racing rules.
The purpose of the black and white flag is to notify the driver that they need to modify their driving behavior to ensure fair competition and maintain safety standards. It acts as a warning to the driver to refrain from further unsportsmanlike conduct or rule infractions.
Although the black and white flag itself does not impose a penalty on the driver, it serves as a signal that their actions have been noticed and that further penalties, such as a drive-through or stop-and-go penalty, could be imposed if the behavior persists or worsens.
Drivers who receive the black and white flag should take it seriously, assess their driving actions, and make adjustments to adhere to the regulations and maintain a safe racing environment. Continuous disregard for the warning may result in additional penalties being imposed by race officials.
Should a driver continue to drive in such a way after receiving a warning, they may receive a punishment, for example, a time penalty, a drive-through penalty, or a stop-and-go penalty."
(
https://www.redbull.com/au-en/formula-1-flags-explained)