Several Formula 1 drivers from the community shared their opinions on the recent attempt by the FIA to regulate qualifying delta times, which was rejected before Friday’s session. The issue of traffic at the pit-lane exit and drivers obstructing each other on the track during out laps or while seeking space on the track has been a recurring problem during qualifying sessions. In response, the FIA made revisions to the maximum delta time rule, stating that drivers must adhere to the time limits established in each signaling sector and on the designated safety car lines. However, drivers tested this system on Thursday and deemed it invalid, prompting the Race Direction to revert to the previous rule that requires drivers to stay below a specific time limit between the safety car lines. McLaren’s Lando Norris expressed his opinion on the matter, stating that he did not support the proposed change from the beginning. He believes that the current system prevents cars from slowing down excessively in the last part of the circuit, but it does not eliminate the possibility of gaining an advantage by slowing down at the end of the lap. Norris also mentioned that the previous system would allow for more competitive races, while the current one may result in more chaos and cars stopping in the final part of the circuit. He suggests that further refinements and adjustments are needed, either through a single modification or by optimizing different aspects for each track.
Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate, expressed his opinions on the system they tested the previous day, acknowledging both its strengths and weaknesses. He emphasized the lack of clarity when it comes to enforcing penalties and the subjectivity involved in determining whether a driver is guilty or not. Piastri also mentioned that not having a system in place can be seen as positive, as it allows drivers to organize themselves without any external interference. He praised the FIA for being open to feedback.
George Russell, who exceeded the delta time in qualifying, did not face any punishment for his infringement. Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, who secured the front row for the Bahrain Grand Prix, shared their thoughts on the delta system. Verstappen believed that this is the safer approach, even if it is not ideal. He preferred cars to stop in the pit-lane instead of on the track or in the final corner. Leclerc agreed with Verstappen, stating that the proposed system change by the FIA was not what they desired, leading to a reversal. He emphasized the ongoing process of finding the best solution and echoed Verstappen’s sentiment that slowing down in the pit-lane is preferable to doing so on the track.
