Raikkonen: 'We all know where the track limits are'

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Kimi Raikkonen believes drivers are fully aware of where the track limits are and what is at risk by exceeding them.

The Ferrari driver was on the receiving end of a bold overtaking move by Max Verstappen on Sunday.

The Red Bull driver put one over on the Finn on the final lap of the race by passing him on the inside of COTA's Turn 17, but put all four wheels over the track to achieve his feat.

Considering Verstappen had gained a clear advantage with the maneuver, the Stewards laid down the law and hit him with a five-second penalty which demoted the driver to fourth.

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As controversial as the decision turned out to be, Raikkonen says drivers should know the limits of where they are allowed to wander, and when.

"I think we all know where the track limits are and if you go over the white lines in certain places it is okay, but if you do it while you are passing people we all know you're going to get issues afterwards," said the Finn.

"The team has told us every weekend where you are allowed to go a bit wider than others, so we all know."

Verstappen was allowed the opportunity to challenge Raikkonen only because the Ferrari was running light on fuel, which enticed its driver to slow in the closing stages of the race.

"To be honest my car was very good all day with no particular issues. The tyres lasted well and the only thing was that I had to do fuel saving in the end, quite heavily, so I had to back off.

"When Sebastian [Vettel] got behind me I let him pass quite easily going into Turn 1 and then I tried to get a tow from him in the straights, to try and save a bit more fuel.

"That was really the only tricky point today that I had to save fuel but the car was really good."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.