Verstappen agrees with perfect explanation over future driving rules

Carlos Sainz is confident the F1 drivers will soon be presented with a clearer picture of racing standards guidelines in the wake of the furore that has unfolded since last weekend's United States Grand Prix.

The lap 52, Turn 12 incident at the Circuit of the Americas between McLaren's Lando Norris and Red Bull's three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen has placed a spotlight on a grey area of the rules.

It even resulted in McLaren seeking a right of review of the five-second penalty Norris was handed after going off track and gaining an advantage in taking third place off Verstappen.

The belief is that Norris, even if for a moment, was ahead of Verstappen going into the corner, only for the Dutchman's late braking that allowed him to regain the place, albeit forcing Norris off the track in the process.

The fact Verstappen was not handed a penalty for pushing Norris wide has led to questions about the unpublished guidelines the drivers are privy to.

The incident led to a constructive conversation in the drivers' briefing at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Friday night, with the FIA taking the feedback on board and agreeing to a fresh update of the rules they will present later this season.

After securing pole position for the Mexico City Grand Prix, Ferrari driver Sainz was questioned on whether the rules of engagement were now clear moving forward.  

"It was a positive, productive meeting," said Sainz. "A lot of drivers opened up about how they felt about each situation and what we think is the best way forward.

"How you interpret the rules, and those driving guidelines that the stewards are going to apply penalties to, they're still the same coming into this weekend, and probably, they will be applied in a similar manner.

"I think in Qatar [the grand prix on Nov 29-Dec 1) we will have some solutions that will hopefully offer a better understanding for a driver and better racing in general.

"Hopefully it should be better."

Turning to Verstappen for his thoughts, the Dutchman simply concurred with Sainz, stating: "I think Carlos explained that perfect."