In the wake of the Mexican Grand Prix and a slew of track cutting by several drivers during the heat of battle, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has suggested that gravel traps be installed at corner complexes where cutting the track can be turned into an advantage.
The Turn 1 and Turn 2 section at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was in the spotlight during the race as Max Verstappen was handed a five second penalty for cutting the track in that sector, while both Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg also used the 'path' over the grass earlier in the race. However, the pair were not penalised.
Horner told F1i, "I definitely think there’s an argument for a gravel trap because if you end up in the gravel you either lose an enormous amount of time or you’re out of the race."
“I really think it’s something that should be looked at for corners such as Turn 1 to see if gravel is a better deterrent than large tarmac run-off areas.
“It remains too open to interpretation because why was Max’s move any different to Lewis at the chicane in Monte Carlo or Lewis on lap one here?"
"You’re leaving it constantly up to stewards interpretation on individual events. If there’s a gravel trap there they pay the price, it’s as simple as that," added Horner.
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone made headlines last week when he suggested walls be built along the track perimeter, as in street circuits, to keep drivers honest.
Horner observed, “Bernie’s view is put a wall there, which is probably one end of the spectrum."
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