FIA abandons track limits lap time deletions for Bahrain GP after driver discussion
Formula 1 race director Michael Masi has taken the unusual step of abandoning lap time deletions for track limits offences in Bahrain following a discussion with the drivers on Friday


For the opening day of running, track limits were monitored at Sakhir's Turn 4 for the first time, with the regular threat of the loss of a lap time for any offence.
There were 33 deletions over the two practice sessions, with Lewis Hamilton topping the list on five, followed by Sebastian Vettel, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi on four apiece, and Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen on three.
At the drivers' briefing, the subject was raised by Vettel, who noted that there had never previously been a need to monitor limits at Turn 4.
Hamilton and others supported the GPDA director, pointing out that policing limits in the grand prix itself could spoil the racing, as the corner can potentially create passing opportunities.
It was also felt that there was little to be gained in terms of lap time by running wide.
Masi agreed to review the situation and, in the latest version of his race director's notes issued ahead of FP3, he confirmed that lap times would no longer be under threat.
He wrote: "The track limits at the exit of Turn 4 will not be monitored with regard to setting a lap time, as the defining limits are the artificial grass and the gravel trap in that location."
Although the drivers see Turn 4 as a potential passing opportunity, Masi also made it clear that anyone gaining an advantage could have to give the place back, pointing out that "in all cases during the race drivers are reminded of the provisions of Article 27.3 of the sporting regulations".
That article states: "Should a car leave the track the driver may rejoin, however, this may only be done when it is safe to do so and without gaining a lasting advantage.
"At the absolute discretion of the race director a driver may be given the opportunity to give back the whole of any advantage he gained by leaving the track."

Stronger Pirelli tyres for 2021 "only solution" - Wolff
F1 Bahrain GP: Verstappen tops FP3 ahead of both Mercedes

Latest news
Hamilton hopes "rare" Vettel shows young drivers F1 is "about something far bigger"
Lewis Hamilton hopes Sebastian Vettel's efforts to highlight issues outside of Formula 1 will set an example to young drivers to use their platform for "something far, far bigger."
Singapore F1 track to be playable map in new Call of Duty game
The Marina Bay circuit, host of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, will be a playable map in the next Call of Duty game, developers Infinity Ward has announced.
The reasons behind Ricciardo’s McLaren Formula 1 struggles
Daniel Ricciardo’s pending Formula 1 exit from McLaren is set to end two difficult years for the eight-time grand prix winner.
How studying Schumacher helped make Coulthard a McLaren F1 mainstay
Winner of 13 grands prix including Monaco and survivor of a life-changing plane crash, David Coulthard could be forgiven for having eased into a quiet retirement – but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, in fact he’s busier than ever, running an award-winning media company and championing diversity in motor racing. Not bad for someone who, by his own admission, wasn’t quite the fastest driver of his generation…
How studying Schumacher helped make Coulthard a McLaren F1 mainstay
Winner of 13 grands prix including Monaco and survivor of a life-changing plane crash, David Coulthard could be forgiven for having eased into a quiet retirement – but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, in fact he’s busier than ever, running an award-winning media company and championing diversity in motor racing. Not bad for someone who, by his own admission, wasn’t quite the fastest driver of his generation…
Could F1 move to a future beyond carbonfibre?
Formula 1 has ambitious goals for improving its carbon footprint, but could this include banishing its favoured composite material? PAT SYMONDS considers the alternatives to carbonfibre and what use, if any, those materials have in a Formula 1 setting
How Russell has proven he deserves to be Hamilton's Mercedes heir
He’s fast, he’s smart, and he’s already shown he’s not going to let Max Verstappen intimidate him. George Russell won’t say it, but LUKE SMITH says he’s ready to take the lead at Mercedes when Lewis Hamilton moves on to a quieter life. And – whisper it – Mercedes and Lewis are starting to think so too
The traits that fuelled Alonso's unexpected Aston Martin move
Fernando Alonso’s bombshell switch to Aston Martin sent shockwaves through Formula 1, not least at Alpine that finds itself tangled in a contract standoff with Oscar Piastri. Not shy of a bold career move and with a CV punctuated by them, there were numerous hints that trouble was brewing
The elements Ferrari must resolve to first save face, then win championships
OPINION: Ferrari's Formula 1 title hopes look all but over after another strategic blunder in last week's Hungarian Grand Prix denied Charles Leclerc the chance to fight for victory, while handing it to chief rival Max Verstappen. The Scuderia now faces intense scrutiny over what it must now do to finally become a genuine factor in championship battles
The clues about Hamilton’s F1 retirement plans revealed after Vettel’s decision
OPINION: Sebastian Vettel is set to leave Formula 1 at the end of 2022 and will, rather shockingly, be replaced by Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin. But what about the final chapter of the other driver that defined the post-Michael Schumacher era? In Hungary, Lewis Hamilton spoke about his future in the context of Vettel’s upcoming departure, which offered clues on how long it will last
Why all signs point to F1’s Monaco special relationship continuing
OPINION: With more potential venues than there are slots in future calendars, rumours have been circulating that the Monaco Grand Prix could be a casualty of F1’s expansion into new markets. But MARK GALLAGHER thinks this is highly unlikely
Hungarian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2022
The Hungarian Grand Prix race result, after a dry race held without safety car conditions, bore little resemblance to what was anticipated after qualifying. While certain drivers were nullified by some iffy strategy calls, others shone to grasp opportunities afforded to them in the last F1 race before the summer break