Quote:
Originally Posted by stocktake
For gods sake you cannot change the rules halfway through a race.
That said, Red bull were slow to realise the loophole and Mercedes capitalised.
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The irony was, that it wasnt really a loophole. It was a condition mentioned at the track briefing, in that for qualifying the track limit was defined and would be enforced. In the race it wouldnt be. The drivers were within their rights to go off track. However because Red Bull interpreted the instruction in a different way, they complained (multiple times apparently), and when Verstappen gained his 0.2 sec per lap advantage that going over the limits apparently gave, it was a visibly obvious gain. So had to act.
Red Bull should have resisted the stewards and allowed Verstappen to retain the first place (he earned all weekend) and argued/appealed the likely 5 second penalty post race. It is an unpleasant way to resolve a result (and one that has disadvantaged Verstappen in the past Mexico '17
), however they had evidence that Hamilton at least, set a precedent during the race.
Personally, the track limits are just that. Race, qualifying, practice whatever, they are the boundaries of the racetrack. Even Astro turf, half a car width away from the track limit would sort it all out, then if all four wheels go off the track, the car will be compromised, if not spun out. Go over the limit, that is fine, but you will lose out if you do.
Aside from the result, Verstappen's attitude and comments after the race shows how much he has matured. From the start of qualifying, it was obvious, he was going out to do a job, and get it done. Get it done he did. Unfortunately, the end of the season will only show the results. Actually reminded me of the change in Rosberg at the beginning of 2016 season. If Red Bull keep up their pace, watch the cracks in Hamilton's performance appear.
I think it will be as bad as it was in 2016, as whilst he isnt fighting against his team mate, or his perceived lack of support from the team, he has more to lose. The 8th title is a record for him to lose, in what (on the surface) appears to be a team sliding down the table (and the rumours of Wolff and even Mercedes going elsewhere). On top of this, if Verstappen retains this maturity and focus, the relaxed persona from Verstappen will irk Hamilton somewhat. It will be fun
