EXPLAINED! How to fix Track Limits! | Sky Sports F1 Podcast

Matt Baker, Karun Chandhok and F1 content creator Tom McCluskey join for our latest pod.

They review the Austrian Grand Prix (3.28) and debate the fiasco surrounding track limits around Red Bull Ring (4.47).

Max Verstappen's dominant season with Red Bull is discussed (23.21) as is the improvements made at McLaren with their upgrades in Austria (27.57).

They finish by talking about the upcoming upgrades some of the teams will be making as the year progresses (41.05).

**Race Review:**

- **Matt Baker:** The race was competitive, with captivating battles throughout the field. Max Verstappen's dominance continued, but the midfield provided plenty of action.
- **Karun Chandhok:** The chaos caused by over 1,200 track limit transgressions overshadowed the entertaining race, leading to a four-hour delay in finalizing the results.
- **Tom McCluskey:** The race had everything except a close fight at the front. The competitive nature of the midfield made up for the lack of a thrilling battle for the lead.

**Track Limits Controversy:**

- **Chandhok:** The excessive track limit violations and the lengthy delay in resolving them were detrimental to Formula One's image. He advocates for a solution to prevent such issues in the future.
- **McCluskey:** The track limit saga highlighted the need for accurate and consistent enforcement. He believes that implementing a clear deterrent system, such as gravel or grass on the track's edge, could help resolve the problem.
- **Baker:** He emphasizes the importance of finding a consensus between the FIA, FIM, and circuits to establish clear track limits and minimize the reliance on stewards' decisions.

**Max Verstappen's Dominance:**

- **Baker:** Verstappen's performance in Austria was remarkable, showcasing his ability to extract the maximum from his car and maintain focus even under pressure.
- **Chandhok:** Verstappen's impressive consistency and ability to deliver exceptional lap times, even when warned about track limits, highlight his exceptional talent.
- **McCluskey:** Verstappen's dominance in Austria, coupled with his impressive record this season, has solidified his position as one of the greatest drivers in Formula One history.

**Upcoming Silverstone Race:**

- **Chandhok:** The Silverstone race will be an exciting opportunity for British fans to witness a pre-Grand Prix reception at Downing Street. He hopes to raise awareness about track limits and road safety issues during his meeting with transport officials.
- **Baker:** Silverstone will provide a unique challenge for teams, as they will have limited practice time due to the sprint format. He anticipates that the race will be closely contested, with several teams capable of challenging Red Bull's dominance.
- **McCluskey:** The upgrades that teams will bring to Silverstone could potentially shake up the competitive order. He believes that McLaren's recent improvements and the potential for rain could make the race unpredictable.


## Austrian Grand Prix Review:

- Max Verstappen secured another dominant victory, extending his championship lead.
- McLaren's Lando Norris finished fourth after being promoted due to Sergio Perez's penalty.
- Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished third and fifth, respectively.

## Track Limit Controversies:

- Drivers faced challenges with track limits at the Red Bull Ring, resulting in numerous penalties.
- The strict enforcement of track limits sparked debates about the fairness and consistency of the rulings.

## Max Verstappen's Performance:

- Verstappen's continued dominance highlights his exceptional skills and the strength of the Red Bull package.
- His commanding lead in the championship standings solidifies his position as the favorite for the title.

## McLaren's Improvements:

- McLaren's upgraded package showed promising results, with Norris finishing in the top four.
- The team's improved performance raises hopes for a more competitive season.

## Upcoming Team Upgrades:

- Teams are expected to introduce upgrades throughout the season to improve their cars' performance.
- McLaren, Mercedes, and Aston Martin are among the teams planning upgrades for the upcoming races.

## Challenges of Developing and Implementing Upgrades:

- Developing and implementing upgrades involves a complex process, including design, testing, and manufacturing.
- Teams must balance the need for innovation with the constraints of time, resources, and cost limitations.

## Conclusion:

- The Austrian Grand Prix provided excitement and controversy, with Verstappen continuing his dominance and McLaren showing signs of progress.
- The upcoming team upgrades promise to shake up the competitive landscape as the Formula One season continues.