Liam Lawson Demands 'Old School' Track Limits Amid Growing F1 Problem

Liam Lawson is advocating for Formula 1 to revert to "old school" track limits, following a recent incident in Mexico City where Carlos Sainz cut Turn 1, leading to significant damage to Lawson's car. This incident highlights a growing trend of drivers using run-off areas to their advantage at the start of races, a practice that has drawn criticism from other drivers, including Fernando Alonso.

Why it matters:

This issue of drivers exploiting vast run-off areas at the start of races is not just about isolated incidents; it impacts race integrity, fairness, and the safety of competitors. Lawson's demand for a return to traditional track limits with grass or gravel highlights a fundamental debate within F1 about track design and its influence on racing behavior. Addressing this problem is crucial for maintaining competitive balance and ensuring drivers are properly penalized for exceeding track boundaries.

The Details:

• Mexico City Incident: During the Mexican Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz sharply cut Turn 1 to avoid potential contact, colliding with Liam Lawson's Racing Bulls machine. Lawson's car suffered severe damage, including a broken wing, floor, and a hole in the sidepod.
• Lawson's Perspective: Lawson explained that Sainz "decided he would cut the chicane without looking to his left," striking Lawson with "90 degrees of steering lock to the left." He emphasized that Sainz was not avoiding anything but rather chose to cut the chicane "to avoid the chaos which was probably about to happen."
• Growing Trend: This incident is part of a larger pattern where drivers frequently use Turn 1 run-off areas on the opening lap to gain an advantage or avoid trouble, a trend that Fernando Alonso has also publicly criticized.
• Impact of Track Design: Lawson attributes this behavior to the "nature of these types of tracks with loads of runoff," which provides drivers the option to take liberties. He contrasted this with tracks like Japan and Imola, where "if you go off the track, you get punished."
• Proposed Solution: Lawson proposes replacing current methods like extending white lines and adding bollards with "grass or gravel like at old school tracks." He believes this natural punishment for exceeding track limits would eliminate the issues currently plaguing Turn 1 on many circuits.

What's next:

Lawson's call for a return to traditional track limits echoes sentiments from other drivers and fans who yearn for more challenging circuits where mistakes are genuinely penalized. While F1 has invested heavily in modern, safer circuit designs with extensive run-off areas, the unintended consequence has been a relaxation of the consequences for drivers who push beyond the asphalt. The debate around "old school" track limits is likely to intensify, potentially leading to discussions within the FIA and track designers on how to strike a better balance between safety and maintaining the integrity of racing boundaries. Implementing Lawson's suggestion could see significant changes in future track modifications and circuit designs.