Max Verstappen Defends F1’s White Line Rule Amid Calls for Change
Ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen defended Formula 1’s strict white line rule, dismissing calls for its alteration. The Dutchman emphasized the rule’s longstanding presence in motorsport, arguing that it’s a fundamental principle understood by all drivers.
“At the end of the day, you cannot overtake outside of the white line. That’s a very clear rule and I’ve been done by it myself,” Verstappen stated. “I don’t understand why suddenly now we need to ask and scream for changes in the regulation when it’s been like that forever. I grew up go-karting, F3, F1, you know that you cannot pass outside of the white line. It’s as simple as that.”
While acknowledging that drivers can occasionally be caught out by the rule, Verstappen firmly reiterated his stance: “It’s how the rules are written. I didn’t make the rules, first of all, I just follow the rules as much as I can. Of course, sometimes you get caught out with it, we’ve had that in the past. I just implement the rules and play with them.”
Verstappen also addressed suggestions for changing the officiating system, such as involving former drivers or establishing a permanent panel of stewards. He cautioned against these proposals, stating, “the problem is that it’s always an argument.”
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