Drivers reportedly put pressure on FIA in heated meeting on Friday; "There were many people complaining," admits Max
Monday 24 October 2016 14:12, UK
Drivers could now be penalised when moving direction under braking after the FIA issued a clampdown on the defensive tactic.
The regulation change comes after a series of controversial 'blocks' by Red Bull's Max Verstappen this season.
'Any change of direction under braking which results in another driver having to take evasive action will be considered abnormal and hence potentially dangerous to other drivers,' read a statement issued by F1's governing body at the US GP. 'Any such move will be reported to the stewards.'
The matter came to a head during Friday's regular driver meeting chaired by FIA race director Charlie Whiting.
According to German publication Auto Motor und Sport, four world title-winning drivers - Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso - were part of a group who were demanding the FIA clarify the rules on such moves.
Rival drivers have accused Verstappen of only moving to defend once the car behind has made its move, a tactic they feel is against their accepted code of conduct.
"There were many people complaining," Verstappen confirmed to Sky F1. "I think it's just a new way of racing. I think everybody needs to get used to it, but now they've put a rule on it, and we get on with it."
Verstappen's defensive driving has angered a number of drivers this season.
The Dutchman has twice been involved in incidents while battling Ferrari driver Raikkonen, in Hungary and again in Belgium, while at the Japanese GP a fortnight ago Mercedes submitted, and then later withdrew, a post-race protest over a move which forced Hamilton off the track.
Although Verstappen had defended his driving by pointing out that the FIA had taken no action against him, Whiting twice informally spoke to the 19-year-old - at the Italian GP in September and again after the Suzuka race.
In an update issued to the teams in Austin, Article 27.5 of the FIA's Sporting Regulations has been revised to include that a driver could be subject to a review by stewards by breaching the modified rule.
'Article 27.5 of the Sporting Regulations states that "...no car may be driven...in a manner which could be potentially dangerous to other drivers...", the note reads. 'Furthermore, Article 27.8 prohibits any manoeuvre "...liable to hinder other drivers, such as...any abnormal change of direction".
'With this in mind, and with the exception of any move permitted by Article 27.6, any change of direction under braking which results in another driver having to take evasive action will be considered abnormal and hence potentially dangerous to other drivers. Any such move will be reported to the stewards.'
Raikkonen was questioned on what he thought of Verstappen's moves earlier this week, with the Finn admitting: "Obviously certain things are a bit on the limit."
