More stringent regulations surrounding moving under braking were introduced to Formula 1 in 2016 following drivers’ concerns around Max Verstappen’s defensive moves. Many drivers had complained to F1’s race director Charlie Whiting that Verstappen’s actions were extremely dangerous as he battled several rivals on track.
Whiting had previously reassured the grid that there would be a clampdown on the issue, which eventually came to a head at the 2016 Japanese Grand Prix. Verstappen - who had been called out on numerous occasions previously for the defence tactic - was in a tight battle for second place with Lewis Hamilton during the final few laps at Suzuka when the Mercedes attempted to overtake the Red Bull at Turn 16.
Verstappen moved under braking, which resulted in Hamilton taking avoiding action before going off the track onto the escape road. Mercedes protested the manoeuvre, which was later withdrawn after multiple statements from Hamilton including a tweet which read: "There is no protest from myself. Just heard the team had but I told them it is not what we do. We are champions, we move on. End of!"
Ahead of the following United States GP, Whiting sent event notes to the teams which warned he would view moving under braking as a breach of regulations.
