FIA enters talks over ending USGP F1 track limits nightmare

The FIA and the promoter of the United States Grand Prix are in discussions over fitting removable gravel traps to the Circuit of the Americas before next season’s race, RacingNews365 understands. 

Last weekend’s action saw several drivers exceed track limits, particularly at Turn 12 where Lando Norris and Max Verstappen had their most recent incident. 

It resulted in a controversial conclusion to the grand prix, as Norris received a five-second time penalty for overtaking off the circuit. 

Ahead of this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, McLaren has lodged a right of review in a bid to overturn the penalty, which would promote him ahead of Verstappen into third.

Significant work was done on the circuit to improve it ahead of last weekend, with some parts of the track resurfaced, whilst Turns 6, 13, 14 and 15 were narrowed. 

Cameras were also installed to monitor track limits, however, removable gravel traps were not fitted. 

A removable gravel trap solution worked on by the FIA was installed earlier this season at the Austrian Grand Prix, which saw impressive results and a significant reduction in track limits violations. 

For F1 circuits also used by MotoGP – like COTA and the Red Bull Ring – the newly-created gravel traps are viewed as ideal. 

The photo below shows the gravel trap that was installed in Austria. The text continues after the image.

Smaller kerbs

To correctly install the removable gravel trap, the kerbs at the situated corner first need to be narrowed, with a fresh white line painted to highlight the edge of the circuit. 

The gravel trap is then laid right up against the narrowed kerb, ensuring that a driver cannot gain an advantage by putting two wheels over the kerb and the white line, whilst keeping the other two within track limits. 

All F1 tracks were believed to have been asked by the governing body to fit the removable gravel traps, to end the ongoing debate that is track limits. 

This solution is now being discussed by the FIA and COTA with Turns 1 and 12 in mind.