Max Verstappen and Lando Norris shared “direct exchanges” during the F1 drivers’ meeting at the Mexican Grand Prix as the FIA ​​decided to investigate changes to the series’ regulations for wheel-to-wheel battles.

This has been the dominant topic of debate in Mexico after Norris was handed a controversial penalty for overtaking off-track in Austin last weekend, while Verstappen’s “get to the top first at all costs” approach » went unpunished.

Drivers gathered to discuss the issue at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez with reports explaining that while some drivers thought Verstappen’s moves were harsh but fair, most agreed the regulations needed to be tightened .

Providing an overview of the meeting, Sky Sports F1 Journalist Craig Slater explained: “It was a lively drivers’ meeting in Mexico City overnight and there was direct exchange between Lando Norris And Max Verstappen on defense and passing. But I was told they were “calm” and “respectful.”

“The rules of engagement and how to improve them dominated the discussions. The majority view among drivers is that standards need to be improved and what is already an ongoing assessment needs to be intensified.

“The meeting started with the drivers asking the FIA ​​how the stewards make decisions in cases like the Verstappen-Norris clash. They wanted to better understand the process. Interestingly, in providing this explanation, the FIA ​​admitted it would draft updated texts for the racing guidelines and send them back to drivers for review.

“Some saw this as a sort of admission of guilt and that current guidelines have allowed loopholes to be exploited. The majority felt it was positive that the FIA ​​was able to question itself and implement changes.

“Another point of discussion was whether the stewards were actually using all the rules at their disposal in cases like the Norris-Verstappen hotspot. Some pointed out that the rule of forcing another driver off the track could still apply in such cases. Even though the guidelines now exist, forcing another driver off the track should not be allowed.

“In other words, there is a clear and provable distinction between holding the corner acceptably and approaching a corner with the primary intention of throwing out another driver. Ultimately, it is understood that the rules will never be perfect. The goal is to tighten up the wording and try to better define the guidelines.

“The FIA’s position on the drivers’ guidelines is that they were requested by the drivers, designed by the governing body in consultation with them and ultimately approved by the GPDA, the drivers’ association. They are committed to evolve them and they have undergone several updates in recent seasons.