The Austrian Grand Prix is once again on the horizon. Just a year ago, the track limits at this circuit were a major point of contention. It seemed to take forever for the stewards to assess all possible infringements. This year, the race management hopes to handle these violations more efficiently. Max Verstappen and his colleagues are yet to see if the modifications will yield the desired results.
AI to the Rescue
The adjustments in brief – the FIA now uses AI to judge track limits. A thin blue line shows the outer limit of the track and is designed to assist artificial intelligence in spotting violations. Additionally, a relatively thin strip of gravel has been added next to the kerb to deter drivers from sliding too far off the asphalt.
Verstappen’s Take
Despite the changes, Max Verstappen remains a fan of the Red Bull Ring. “It’s a beautiful circuit to drive on,” he said at a press conference. “It’s also a great track for the fans, as it really gives you the feeling of being in an arena.”
“There’s still a lot of talk about track limits,” the world champion admitted. “The tires heat up quickly here, which naturally leads to some understeer, and if you deviate by a few millimeters when exiting a corner, you’re already in trouble. Hopefully, the gravel that’s now in place will alleviate this. You’ll have to be a bit more cautious – we’ll see if this is the right approach.”
Tsunoda’s Concerns
Yuki Tsunoda, another Red Bull driver, also has his doubts. His main concern is that the new gravel traps could pose a risk to other drivers. “It would be a shame if someone makes a mistake and the whole track is immediately covered in gravel,” he commented.
