Rules don't always do the trick

Formula 1 is incredibly complex. The technical and sporting regulations are continuously evolving in reaction to what teams dream up and how drivers behave. In the constant battle between poacher and gamekeeper, the rulebook is several times longer now than it was 30 years ago. At last weekend's German Grand Prix, the subject of debate was the spirit as well as the letter of these rules.

On Sunday morning, the stewards concluded the Red Bull Racing team's engine map (the program that controls it) did not breach the text of the regulations as currently written. The corollary, of course, is that the map did not comply with the intention of the rules - which is why the FIA's technical delegate made his report. (And why the wording has been changed to tighten the definition in time for this weekend's event in Hungary.)

Sebastian Vettel was not so lucky with his own personal interview with the stewards. On the penultimate lap, the German overtook Jenson Button by driving across the white lines that define the track. The reigning champion suggested the painted curbs and "run off" area provide less grip and that he chose this route only to avoid the possibility of collision with the McLaren driver. In reality, Vettel was able to reduce the steering angle and lateral loads on his car and thus get onto the power earlier than Button.