The Expectations I

The 2016 Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg introduced the FIA’s answer to respecting track limits. The straight forward nine turn Red Bull Ring layout was revised with a three-stage set of kerbs defining each corner, meant to penalise driver’s who exceeded the racing surface. However, the severity of the kerbs left many competitors upset that the solution brought with it a chance for introducing greater danger. That scenario didn’t take long to develop. Max Verstappen was the first to stray, costing him costing him two front wings and a front suspension. Then it was championship leader Nico Rosberg’s turn during FP3. His left rear upper wishbone collapsed as he tracked up on the kerbs on the exit of Turn 2. The car hit the barriers first on the left-hand side nose first with another hit taking off on the right rear.