Toto Wolff thinks new rule interpretations will change how drivers act, even Max Verstappen. But he knows Verstappen and others will always try to find loopholes.
Lando Norris and Verstappen are currently in a heated battle, but Wolff remembers when his driver, Lewis Hamilton, often clashed with Verstappen during the intense 2021 season.
In the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, Verstappen received two ten-second penalties while racing against Norris. This happened just a week after their encounter in the United States. The buzz between Austin and Mexico was all about the rules. During the drivers’ meeting, there were hints that the FIA might revisit the rulebook’s language.
Wolff was asked if these penalties would change Verstappen’s approach. He said, “A driver will always push to the limit and, when the rules or the interpretation of the rules allow a certain way of racing, a driver like Max is always going to exploit it.” He believes this new interpretation will alter future racing styles.
Wolff’s Opinion on Stewards
Wolff shared his thoughts on stewards’ decisions: “I think the stewards today decided that they don’t want to see drivers pushing each other out of the track. That will be now the new normality.” Drivers now know that such actions could lead to penalties.
Reflecting on past races with Verstappen, Wolff noted how some stewards had different views back then. “Certain stewards had their opinion and because it wasn’t penalised, it basically legitimated it,” he mentioned without blaming Verstappen directly.
Fans might wonder if these changes will make races more predictable or exciting.
What do you think about these new interpretations?
