F1 News: Max Verstappen Demands Changes After "Nitpicking" FIA Intrude On Mexico Grand Prix
Max Verstappen has expressed his confusion and frustration with the FIA's decision to investigate his pausing in the pit lane during F1 qualifying at the Mexican Grand Prix weekend. While the Dutchman secured a third-place start, he, alongside other drivers, was subjected to scrutiny by the stewards, only to be cleared after the investigation.
Key Takeaways:
- Max Verstappen, having secured a third-place start in the Mexican Grand Prix, was under investigation by the FIA for allegedly hindering other drivers in the pit lane.
- The investigation stems from a new rule regarding minimum time between safety car lines 1 and 2, pushing drivers to create space for a fast lap in the pit lane rather than on the track.
- Despite being cleared by the stewards, Verstappen voiced his discontent, calling the situation "nitpicking" and demanding a reevaluation of the rules for a safer and more sensible solution.
After a tense wait after Saturday's qualifying, Verstappen and three other drivers were cleared by the FIA stewards who acknowledged the complexity of enforcing the new rule under the current circumstances. This situation has highlighted a problematic aspect of the new pit lane regulation, as drivers are now manipulating their positions in the pit lane to create sufficient space for a fast lap out of traffic, given that they cannot hold back on the track thanks to maximum lap time regulations.
Max Verstappen was vocal about his dissatisfaction, stating in a conversation with De Telegraaf:
"I see this as nitpicking. There was nothing dangerous going on and I did nothing different from the drivers around me. I don't really understand the problem."
His words reflect a sentiment of confusion and frustration, shared by fans.
While Verstappen demands a more sensible and safer solution, it is evident that this issue requires a reevaluation of the current rules. Carlos Sainz, starting P2 in today's grid, also emphasised the need for a different approach from the FIA and possibly a major overhaul of the regulations.