F1’s track limit rules to remain consistent throughout Imola weekend

The FIA has announced it will be policing Formula 1 track limits in the same way across the three days of running at Imola this weekend.

Confusion ensued at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix after Lewis Hamilton ran wide as many as 29 times at Turn 4 during the race.

Track limits were policed during practice and qualifying in Bahrain, but the FIA turned a blind eye on race day until the second half of the race when it warned Hamilton.

Max Verstappen was then forced to relinquish the lead back to Hamilton after the stewards deemed that the Dutchman completed his move on the Mercedes outside the circuit.

For this weekend’s race at Imola, the FIA will be policing track limits at Turns 9 (Piratella), 13 (Acque Minerali) and 15 (Variante Alta chicane).

Drivers will have their times deleted in practice and qualifying if they exceed track limits at the aforementioned corners.

On race day, drivers will receive the black-and-white flag after their third offence and any further violations will be reported to the stewards and likely result in a five-second penalty.

The race director’s notes said: "On the third occasion of a driver failing to negotiate Turn 9 exit and/or Turn 13 Apex and/or Turn 15 exit by using the track during the race, he will be shown a black and white flag, any further cutting will then be reported to the stewards.

"For the avoidance of doubt, this means a total of three occasions combined not three at each corner."