Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen believes that Formula 1 should have a rethink about the rules of the sport over the winter break.
Verstappen wants the sport to avoid double standards when it comes too moving under braking and avoiding a penalty for running of the track and gaining an advantage, both of which came under the spotlight during the recent Mexican Grand Prix.
The Dutchman has hit the headlines for dangerous driving but has criticised the sport for not consistently applying the rules in different situations.
“The problem with these kind of rules is that they complicate the sport – for both the viewer and the stewards themselves,” wrote Verstappen in his regular column for sponsor Exact. “That was evident at the Grand Prix of Mexico.
“Lewis Hamilton cut across the grass at the first corner and was not penalised. Fine, but after I did exactly the same in my fight with Sebastian Vettel, I got a five-second penalty and I lost my third place.
“That is a ridiculous situation. Lewis and I both miss our braking point, in exactly the same corner. Just like him I didn’t have any advantage, because I went first into the corner and came out first again. That I am punished, but not Lewis, indicates that there are double standards.”
The 2016 Formula 1 season is nearly over with only two races remaining, Verstappen feels that it would a great opportunity for the FIA to analysis the rules so that confusion can be eradicated in the future.
“The current season still has two races to go, and then maybe we can use the winter to put rules and regulations under the microscope to create more clarity,” added Verstappen.
“Rules are obviously needed and I will always respect them, but it is only fair if they are the same for everyone and are also applied that way.”
