After the Max Verstappen-Lando Norris debacle in Austin, FIA looking at steps to prevent similar issues

After Max Verstappen and Lando Norris' clash at the 2024 F1 US GP on October 20, the FIA and Austin's Grand Prix organizers are in discussion to add adjustable gravel traps on the track. These gravel traps will aim to prevent drivers from going off the track while battling each other.

On the opening lap of the 2024 F1 US GP, Verstappen and Norris lost several positions while battling for the lead in Turn 1. The McLaren driver continued to pursue the current world champion in the latter stages of the race.

On Lap 52, at turn 12, Lando Norris attempted a late lunge round the outside but lost control and slid off-track along with Max Verstappen. While both were off-track, the McLaren driver was able to pass the Dutchman in the process.

The race stewards punished Norris with a five-second penalty instead of the customary 10-second one because he was forced to exit the circuit and pass Verstappen in the wheel-to-wheel combat.

Before the 2024 F1 Mexican GP (October 27), McLaren requested a 'right to review' for Norris' penalty once again. However, the FIA rejected the request, saying the team was unable to produce significant new evidence that makes the case worth revisiting.

According to Autosport, the FIA and COTA (Circuit of the Americas) organizers are now in talks for installing gravel traps to prevent tussles similar to that of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. The Austin track has already undergone several changes to curb track limits. After 2023, Turns 6, 13, 14, and 15 were narrowed and cameras were installed to monitor track limits at various locations.

This time, however, the installation of real gravel traps is being discussed. This method involves narrowing the kerbs and painting white lines to ensure that cars cannot be driven on them without going off-track. Crucially, a small gravel trap is placed behind a kerb to serve as a deterrent to drivers who are pushing the track limits.

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Max Verstappen gives his take on gravel traps at Austin to curb track limit violations

Max Verstappen reckons that gravel traps could help F1 curb track limits, but also argues that they would hurt other racing series and young drivers that race at COTA. Speaking to the media, he said that MotoGP would have a hard time with gravel traps. He added that gravel traps cost a lot and questioned their sustainability.

“I mean, it might help, but we have to deal with bikes as well that race here. They don't like the gravel, so then you have to remove it again. Track days, people spinning off, of course, on track days," Verstappen said (via BBC).

“You have amateur drivers, professional drivers. It does cost a lot of money when you have to do that, and not every track can do that throughout the year. Yes, it would work, but on the other hand, I'm not sure how sustainable that is for the season,” he added.

Max Verstappen currently leads the 2024 F1 drivers' championship with 354 points. Meanwhile, Lando Norris is in second with 297 points and chasing the Red Bull star.