Drivers united in agreeing rule outlawing moving under braking was required
Monday 24 October 2016 14:12, UK
Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel have led the drivers' support for the FIA's crackdown on 'Verstappen-style' defending.
The FIA, the sport's governing body, have outlawed moving under braking - a charge that has been frequently levelled at Red Bull driver Max Verstappen this year - after sustained criticism of the teenager's on-track behaviour from his peers.
Mercedes lodged an appeal, which was then withdrawn, after Lewis Hamilton was forced to take avoiding action when he challenged Verstappen for position during the Japanese GP while the Dutchman's style of driving has previously enraged Ferrari pair Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen this year.
"In the 10 years I've been in Formula 1, there's been the same rule that all us drivers understand. It's only newcomers that have come in and are potentially not abiding by that same rule we've all shared for many many years," said Hamilton.
"It's been interesting to see the new drivers come in and have chosen a different route, have a different opinion, but it is about the respect that we have for one another. We're travelling at serious speeds so commit to your defence, but don't do it while in braking. I think it's great that Charlie [Whiting, the FIA race delegate] has understood the majority of drivers' opinions.
"The rules have to be very strict and clear because otherwise, if they say you're allowed to move under braking, everyone would do it, and we'll all start a new way of driving which is dangerous. You look at IndyCar for example, they're travelling at high speeds - one twitch and the car goes flying. I think it's definitely the right way to go."
Fellow Mercedes driver and championship leader Nico Rosberg added: "It's something that needs to be addressed. It's a very high risk situation and it's very, very difficult for the guy behind to avoid an accident in such a case because the guy behind is on the lunge and is at the absolute limit. There's nothing he can do, he can't steer anymore. So I think it's good that it's been addressed."
Although he hasn't clashed directly with Verstappen, McLaren's Jenson Button agreed the amendment to the regulations was required.
"I think this is the correct ruling," said the former world champion. "We started a long time ago in the sport and I think there's always been a good understanding that it's incorrect to move in the braking zone when somebody's trying to overtake. Because when you're trying to overtake, everything is on the limit. You are on the limit, you are on the edge, you're pushing the boundaries. As soon as someone moves in front of you and takes the line that you were aiming for, you're screwed. You're either going to go over the top of them or you're going to miss them and end up in the barriers.
"It's common sense more than anything else, for 15 years of racing I haven't really had any issues, it's just the last couple of years that we have. Now it's clear, they've clarified it and I'm happy about it."
And Vettel added during his press briefing: "I think it's very simple. The day I joined Formula 1 it was clear, there was sort of an unwritten law. In recent times we've obviously had situations and got away with it, so for sure then the message is that everybody is starting to do it, which is the wrong thing because in the end, which we spoke about on Friday, we're just waiting for something to happen. Therefore I think it's a good action."
