Before this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, the Red Bull Ring has undergone significant modifications. In the previous race, there were an astounding 1200 track limit infractions and 12 post-race time penalties, one of which went to Lewis Hamilton.
Using the Red Bull Ring’s forgiving run-off sections to their advantage, drivers went wide at Turns Nine and Ten to improve their start-finish line speed last year. Due to this, the final race outcome was chaotic, with race control noting over 1200 infractions.
The FIA was compelled to go through a backlog of infractions after Aston Martin lodged an official protest against the race outcome due to some drivers’ liberal reading of the course regulations. Numerous penalties followed, and the official race result wasn’t announced until five hours after the final whistle.
After the race, twelve of these penalties were given, with Hamilton and Carlos Sainz receiving the most severe hits. During the race, the two received five-second time penalties; however, after review, these were increased to ten-second penalties. For his troubles, Esteban Ocon received four separate penalties.
The circuit has undergone modifications to prevent this mayhem from happening again in 2024. In order to deter vehicles from dipping their wheels over the white lines at Turns Nine and Ten, a 2.5-meter-wide gravel trap has been installed behind the kerb.
Furthermore, in order to bring the white lines at Turns One, Three, Four, and Six closer to the gravel traps, they have been moved outward. Since driving through gravel causes a significant speed loss, gravel run-off significantly discourages drivers compared to tarmac run-off. Race director Niels Wittich reaffirmed this point, saying, “That’s what they want and what they have asked for.” When they approach the gravel, they will sense it and receive feedback. If they do dip a tire into the gravel, the car will slow down and they will be penalized.
The drivers’ top request has been to implement this natural deterrent. The fact that there is no longer any gain eliminates any incentive to push the envelope. Drivers and teams will always go to the very last millimeter because they can, whether it’s just a line or just asphalt. But it’s impossible to go faster when running on gravel.”