Quote Originally Posted by Nitrodaze View Post
Thats what l thought initially after seeing the overhead shots of both cars as they fought for the corner. Then l changed my mind when i saw the onboard view from Kimi's car. There was no space on the inside as Max did not leave a cars width as the rule demands that he does. If Kimi had tried to take the inside line, he would have crashed into the side of the redbull. Avoiding action to the outside was his only option, and even so he still could not avoid clipping the redbull.

It was on the very limit of legallity, but it is begging for a walloping up the backside and that would happen very soon.

The way I understand the rule, there is no obligation to leave a cars width when defending unless the car is already alongside. You can essentially block a line by leaving less than a car width to either track limit, you just can't do it when the cars are already overlapped and the chasing car would have to run off track or be hit.

From the views I saw, it appeared to me that Kimi had room inside regardless. But assuming you are correct and there wasn't room, I still don't see any violation of the rules.

As for your last comment, I agree that it could have easily caused an impact. But IMHO tight racing often causes that situation, and often creates some impacts that are simply legitimate racing incidents, with neither driver making bad choices. As much as I was hoping Kimi would get by Max, Max stayed cool and defended very well IMO.