Herbert doesn't understand complaints from drivers: 'Just don't go there'

Track limits are often the topic of conversation in Formula 1, but especially after the Austrian Grand Prix there was a fuss. Many drivers were not happy with the strict rules at the Red Bull Ring, but Johnny Herbert does not agree.

During the race in Austria, 43 infringements were recorded and several drivers were given a five-second time penalty for repeatedly violating the track limits. According to former Formula 1 driver Herbert, it is right that there is strict control.

"Drivers all moan how it’s hard to judge. Push the white line three feet wider and they’d still say the same. If you go off the circuit, there needs to be a consequence — as long as it's consistent", he writes in his column for Motorsport Magazine.

Sergio Perez received a heavy grid penalty for the sprint race, as he had exceeded track limits in qualifying. However, this happened in Q2, but the FIA did not immediately see the infringement. As a result, the Mexican went through to Q3, but was penalised after the session. According to Herbert, the drivers know they risk a heavy penalty if they try such things.

"In my day I remember you’d try things too, then Charlie Whiting would say you shouldn’t really be cutting the corner there – and then you didn’t! You knew maybe he’d penalise you. Today, if they put a sausage kerb in the drivers moan and say it will damage the car. But in that case just don’t go there. If you put a wall in, you wouldn’t go over the white line", Herbert ends.