FIA behind F1 drivers: 'Working towards solution agreed by all'

Formula 1 drivers already revealed what had been discussed in a meeting with FIA stewards on Thursday night in Qatar with the media. The motorsport federation is now also making its voice heard about the meeting. An important message: the stewards - according to the stewards - are not there to thwart the drivers.

Probably the most important topic of discussion was the rules for overtaking on a bend. So what is and is not allowed? Max Verstappen, among others, pointed out that the lack of clarity is played into the hands of the circuits, which, with large exit lanes, offer the chance to overtake well outside the track. In short, less run-out lanes and more gravel, is the message. Tim Malyon, Single-Seater Sporting Director of the FIA, takes the drivers' advice to heart.

"As FIA, we are constantly working with the circuits to evolve them in different ways. Of course we are working on the safety aspect at circuits. But what was touched upon during the meeting is that there are a number of considerations from a sporting point of view, which we can prioritise for the future," Malyon said.

As an example, he cited the gravel strips in Austria and Qatar, which were laid down to reduce the number of track limit violations. "It was immensely useful during the meeting to hear the drivers' insights and see how they view a preference for gravel. Not only for track limits, but also to manage certain situations that have arisen in overtaking during the last five races."

According to the FIA official, the motorsport federation is off to seek solutions with the drivers that are satisfactory to all parties.

This article was written in collaboration with Ben Stevens.

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