Who are F1’s biggest track limits offenders

As complex as Formula 1’s rules can be, there are few regulations as simple to understand as the boundaries of the track.

Each grand prix circuit is defined by the white lines that run either side of the asphalt. Stray beyond those limits, as you’re effectively taking a short cut or breaking through an invisible wall that would otherwise keep you within the track.

For years, F1’s approach to track limits was complicated and controversial. Certain corners were treated differently to others due to the nature of the kerbs or the exit of the corners naturally drawing drivers beyond the confines of the white lines through their natural racing line.

However, when the FIA installed Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas as the sport’s new race directors for 2022, the governing body also made a fundamental change to the how they would assess track limits infringements. Citing article 33.3 of the Sporting Regulations – which states that drivers “must make every reasonable effort to use the track at all times and may not leave the track without a justifiable reason” – the race director’s event notes for each round have simply stated that “the white lines define the track edges.” From the opening round of that year’s championship in Bahrain and up until the last round in Abu Dhabi last November, that has been the straightforward approach taken towards track limits in the sport.

But despite that seemingly simple interpretation of the rule, track limits has continued to be a major recurring headache in the sport, both for drivers and the FIA. In 2023, there was no let up of track limits infringements. Over the course of the 22 rounds of the season, 695 track limits infringements were committed in competitive sessions – qualifying, sprint qualifying, sprint races and grands prix.

By far the greatest mess of the year came at the Red Bull Ring, where the race results were only confirmed several hours later following a protest by Aston Martin, which led to multiple drivers receiving extra post-race time penalties.

But where were the most problematic venues and corners where drivers struggled to keep within the white lines and who were the biggest offenders over the year? RaceFans delved into the data to find out.

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

1 & 2 – Turns ten and nine – Red Bull Ring, Austria: 89 and 60 offences

Unsurprisingly, given the goings-on at the Austrian Grand Prix, the Red Bull Ring was the scene of the most track…