F1 drivers warned about Turn 8

Formula 1 drivers have been warned that they risk being punished if they gain any lasting advantage from running wide at Turn 8 during the Austrian Grand Prix.

The FIA adopted a zero tolerance approach to drivers who put all four wheels off the track at Turn 8 during qualifying on Saturday. That stance resulted in a number of drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hulkenberg, losing some of their best qualifying efforts.

And ahead of the race, the FIA has informed all the teams that it will keep a close eye on discretions at that corner during the race too.

A note sent to all teams said: "During the race, any driver leaving the track on the exit of Turn 8 who appears to have gained a clear and lasting advantage by doing so, will be reported to the stewards.

"We would not, for example, expect a driver who left the track on the exit of Turn 8 to attempt to pass a driver in front of him in to Turn 1. Furthermore, any drivers who repeatedly leave the track on the exit of Turn 8 will also be reported to the stewards.

"Drivers are reminded that if they leave the track they may re-join but only if they do so safely and without gaining any lasting advantage."