Rosberg calls for pit speed limit under VSC after Norris error

Speaking on the F1 Show podcast, Nico Rosberg has called for rule changes to the Virtual Safety Car procedure, proposing a pit speed limit to ensure fairer racing. The 2016 world champion was responding to Lando Norris's recent VSC error, which he believes exposed a flaw in the current system.

Why it matters:

The VSC is a crucial tool for slowing the field without deploying a physical safety car. Drivers must maintain a predetermined delta time, but the system relies heavily on individual accuracy. Rosberg argues that allowing normal pit speeds during VSC creates an unfair advantage for those who pit and can lead to inconsistent outcomes. A change could impact strategy and the competitive balance.

The details:

• The proposal: Rosberg wants a pit speed limit introduced during VSC periods, similar to the one used under a full safety car, to remove any potential gain from pitting.
• The incident: Norris made an error under VSC, losing time and track position. The mistake highlighted how difficult it is to manage the VSC correctly, especially when entering the pits.
• The current rules: Under VSC, drivers must stay within a certain percentage of the delta time, but pit lane speeds are not specifically restricted. This means drivers can gain an advantage by pitting while others slow down.
• Rosberg's argument: He believes the VSC should be simpler and less prone to human error, making it fairer for all drivers.

What's next:

Rosberg's comments are unlikely to be the last on the subject. With the FIA already reviewing safety car procedures, his proposal could contribute to a broader discussion about how F1 handles neutralized periods, especially with new regulations on the horizon.