The FIA and the Austin race promoter are actively discussing the potential installation of adjustable gravel traps at the Circuit of the Americas for the eagerly anticipated 2025 United States Grand Prix, according to insights from Motorsport.com.
This initiative comes in response to the heated track limits controversy that overshadowed the conclusion of last Sunday’s race, where Red Bull’s reigning world champion Max Verstappen clashed with McLaren’s Lando Norris, prompting a reevaluation of track safety and regulations.
The Austin circuit had already undertaken significant measures to mitigate the track limits issues that arose during the previous year’s race, where Haas F1 team pursued a right of review citing unaddressed violations of the rules.
As part of its efforts, the track has undergone extensive resurfacing, which included the narrowing of Turns 6, 13, 14, and 15, alongside the installation of high-tech cameras designed to monitor track limits much more effectively. Additionally, the run-off area at Turn 11 has been modified with a resin-bound ‘fake’ gravel insert, enhancing driver awareness of track boundaries.
However, the installation of the small gravel trap system, which the FIA is advocating for 2024 and which was successfully debuted at Austria’s Red Bull Ring—hailed as the “perfect set-up” by F1 race director Niels Wittich—was not implemented at Austin.
This innovative track design strategy focuses on narrowing the kerbs and highlighting track limits with painted white lines, compelling drivers to steer clear of exceeding boundaries. Importantly, the addition of gravel traps behind the kerbs serves as a crucial deterrent, ensuring that drivers are deterred from pushing the limits too far without penalties, all while allowing remarkable flexibility for tracks hosting motorbike events that require safer conditions without gravel.
Motorsport.com understands that the FIA has urged all F1 circuits to consider the inclusion of movable gravel traps in areas of concern, as part of the broader strategy to improve racing safety.
In the wake of the contentious ending to the recent race, the notion of adding adjustable gravel traps at critical locations like Austin’s Turns 1 and 12 was presented to the race organizers, particularly after Lando Norris lost his podium finish due to an overtaking maneuver against Verstappen that occurred outside of track limits at Turn 12.
Moreover, both drivers had previously engaged in a similar incident at the race’s very first corner, where the pair strayed off the track, raising further questions about the circuit’s design and management of track limits.
Following last weekend’s race, discussions in the media centered around the possible implementation of adjustable gravel traps at Austin, with significant focus on whether this solution could effectively resolve the conflicts encountered at Turns 1 and 12.
In light of the controversies surrounding track limits enforcement, the FIA has initiated renewed conversations with the Austin race promoter regarding these developments. However, it is important to note that the FIA is only authorized to mandate alterations to tracks on safety grounds, which complicates the current discourse focused more on competitive fairness than outright safety.
Further complicating matters is the consideration of how such gravel traps might affect safety parameters at the MotoGP events held at the same venue since 2013. The installation of adjustable gravel traps would also incur considerable expenses for any track opting to integrate them into their designs.
COTA boss Bobby Epstein had reflected on the viability of this gravel trap solution before this year’s US Grand Prix, expressing concerns about its adaptability for the Texas circuit. “You can’t have both,” he asserted. “You can’t cut into the track and put in gravel, then flip it back and hope it stays watertight when you have clay underneath it. There’s some back-and-forth challenges to it.”
This subject remained a hot topic leading into the recent race weekend in Mexico, where F1 drivers were fielded numerous questions about the incidents involving Verstappen and Norris during the event’s media day. Mercedes’ George Russell shared his perspective, stating, “For me, the root cause of the problem is having a circuit that allows you to run wide. If you put gravel in on that corner [Turn 12 at Austin], Lando doesn’t go off and overtake, and Max doesn’t break that late and go off as well. So, I think we need to tackle the root cause.”
Interview with Mark Thompson, Motorsport Analyst
Interviewer: Good afternoon, Mark. Thanks for joining us today to discuss the recent developments at the Circuit of the Americas regarding track limits and safety.
Mark Thompson: Thank you for having me! There’s a lot to unpack, so let’s dive right in.
Interviewer: Let’s start with the FIA’s proposal for adjustable gravel traps at Austin for the 2025 United States Grand Prix. What are your thoughts on this initiative?
Mark Thompson: It’s a much-needed step in the right direction. The heated controversy during the recent race highlighted the ongoing difficulties with track limits. Adjustable gravel traps could enhance safety significantly by deterring drivers from exceeding track boundaries. They serve as a physical reminder of limits that would ideally reduce the number of penalties issued.
Interviewer: Absolutely. The recent race saw Max Verstappen and Lando Norris involved in a controversial incident concerning track limits. How do you see the introduction of gravel traps addressing this issue?
Mark Thompson: The Verstappen-Norris clash perfectly illustrates the problem. If gravel traps had been in place, it might have influenced their driving behavior, knowing that exceeding track limits could lead to real consequences, rather than just penalties. The FIA’s research, especially after the positive feedback from tracks like the Red Bull Ring, suggests that these traps can lead to cleaner, fairer racing.
Interviewer: There have been alterations made to the Austin circuit already, including extensive resurfacing and technological upgrades to monitor track limits. Do you think these changes have been effective?
Mark Thompson: The changes have undoubtedly improved the situation, but they weren’t enough to stem the tide of controversy. While the high-tech cameras and resurfacing have their benefits, they can’t completely replace the physical deterrent that gravel traps provide. It’s about creating a balance between safety and competitive racing. The modifications to Turns 6, 13, 14, and 15 show progress, but there’s still a lot to improve.
Interviewer: Moving forward, what can we expect from the FIA and race organizers in terms of addressing track limit issues at circuits worldwide?
Mark Thompson: I believe that the FIA will continue urging circuits to adopt these adjustable gravel traps, particularly in areas where track limits are consistently violated. There’s also likely to be increased scrutiny on track designs to ensure they promote safe racing while still allowing for high-speed competition. Innovative solutions that work for different types of motorsport will also be part of the conversation as we head toward more races in 2024 and beyond.
Interviewer: Great insights, Mark. Any final thoughts on how the racing community can move past the issues we’ve seen recently?
Mark Thompson: Collaboration is key. Teams, drivers, and race organizers must come together to find solutions that uphold the integrity of the sport while ensuring safety. The introduction of gravel traps is just one part of a larger puzzle, but if embraced, it can lead to better racing experiences for both drivers and fans.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time and insights, Mark. It’ll be interesting to see how these discussions evolve as we approach the 2025 Grand Prix.
Mark Thompson: Thank you! I look forward to it.
Presence of a gravel trap. Drivers need tangible boundaries to inform their driving decisions, and while technology plays a crucial role, nothing beats the psychological impact of a physical deterrent like gravel.
Interviewer: It’s clear there’s a push for improved safety and fairness. However, Bobby Epstein, the COTA boss, raised concerns about how adaptable these gravel traps would be for the Texas circuit. What do you think about the logistics of implementing such a system?
Mark Thompson: Epstein makes a valid point. Integrating adjustable gravel traps is not just about the design but also takes into account the underlying soil and the potential challenges of maintaining those installations. It’s essential to strike a balance between accommodating F1 and MotoGP events at the same venue, as both have different requirements when it comes to track safety. A thorough assessment is needed to ensure that any modifications do not compromise the integrity of either series.
Interviewer: The discussion surrounding track limits and safety really seems to have intensified after the recent race events. Do you believe the FIA is adequately addressing the root causes of these controversies, particularly in how circuits are designed?
Mark Thompson: That’s the crux of the issue. While introducing gravel traps is a step forward, the FIA must also evaluate the fundamental characteristics of circuits like Austin. George Russell’s comments emphasize the necessity to rethink track design. If a circuit encourages drivers to take risks by running wide, issues like the ones we saw during the recent race will continue to arise. It’s about creating a holistic approach to track safety and competitive integrity.
Interviewer: Thank you, Mark, for your insights on this pressing issue in Formula 1. It’s certainly an exciting time for motorsport as we look toward future improvements in safety protocols and track design.
Mark Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss ways to enhance the sport we love.
