- Verstappen believes if one car is illegal, then the other should also go under inspection.
- Verstappen and others emphasize the need for common-sense fairness in the sport.
- The debate highlights the importance of consistent rule enforcement and a level playing field in Formula.
In the wake of the recent disqualifications of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at the US Grand Prix, Formula 1 drivers, including Max Verstappen, are calling for a broader inspection process to ensure fair play in the sport.
Both Hamilton’s Mercedes and Leclerc’s Ferrari were found to have excessive wear on their car’s floor plank, a violation of F1 regulations, leading to their disqualifications. However, only two additional cars, Max Verstappen’s Red Bull and Lando Norris’ McLaren, were subjected to post-race inspections, which has sparked a debate within the F1 community.
Verstappen, the race winner at the US Grand Prix, expressed his support for a more comprehensive inspection process, suggesting that if one car from a team is found to be in violation, the second car from that team should also undergo scrutiny. The Dutch driver emphasized the importance of common sense in ensuring a level playing field and preventing unfair advantages.
In a recent interview, Verstappen pointed out that no team intentionally sets up their car to be illegal, and random checks are carried out to maintain the integrity of the sport. He acknowledged the practical challenges of checking every car for every possible infraction but stressed the need for consistency when dealing with teams and their cars.
Verstappen’s sentiments were echoed by other Formula 1 drivers, such as Lando Norris and Alex Albon. Norris believed that all cars should have been checked after it was revealed that half of the cars inspected were found to be in breach of the regulations. He suggested that if one car from a team is found to be illegal, there is a high probability that the other car from the same team is also non-compliant. Albon concurred, suggesting that the solution lies in checking the teammate’s car of a driver found in violation.
In an interview, Hamilton revealed that he had heard from various sources that “a lot of other cars” may have also been in violation but were not subjected to scrutiny. He expressed his frustration at the lack of a structured and fair process for ensuring that all cars comply with the regulations.
Hamilton, who has been racing in Formula 1 for 16 years, emphasized the need for a better structure to ensure that the sport’s rules are applied consistently and fairly across the board. He highlighted the fact that over the years, there have been instances where some teams got away with rule violations while others were tested, leading to an uneven playing field.
While the debate continues, it is clear that many in the Formula 1 community believe that a more comprehensive inspection process may be necessary to ensure fair competition and the consistent enforcement of regulations.
