Carlos Sainz is said to have attended a “lively drivers' meeting” in Mexico, saying it was a “positive, productive meeting” with the FIA ​​and that new rules could come into force in time for the Qatar Grand Prix.

Formula 1's rules of engagement are dominating the sport's headlines after title protagonists Max Verstappen and Lando Norris went wheel-to-wheel at the United States Grand Prix and the latter received a penalty.

Carlos Sainz revealed that the interpretation of the rules was discussed

After chasing down Verstappen for third place towards the end of the 56-lap Grand Prix, Norris challenged the Red Bull on the run into Turn 12 and briefly prevailed.

However, Verstappen braked too late into the corner and let both of them pass on the run-off, while Norris didn't let off his gas to overtake Verstappen in the run-off zone. He was given a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.

According to the FIA ​​stewards, it came down to who had the apex and therefore the “right” to the corner, and they decided it was Verstappen because Norris was the attacking driver.

As a defending driver, Verstappen was also not bound by the regulations to allow Norris a “fair and acceptable width” outside the corner.

McLaren requested a review, but this was rejected by the stewards.

Meanwhile, drivers met with the FIA ​​for their drivers' meeting, where Sky F1's Craig Slater revealed that “the rules of engagement and how to make them better” dominated discussions.

“It was a lively drivers' meeting in Mexico City overnight,” he said, “and there was a direct exchange between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen about defending and overtaking.” However, I was told that they were “calm” and “respectful “be.

“Ultimately there is agreement that the rules will never be perfect,” he added. “The desire is to tighten the wording and try to better define the guidelines.”

More about Lando Norris against Max Verstappen at the US GP

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Sainz has now revealed further details about the meeting, including when drivers can expect the introduction of a new set of rules.

“I think it was a positive, productive meeting,” he told the media PlanetF1.com.

“I think a lot of drivers have spoken openly about how they felt in each situation and what we think is the best way forward.

“Yes, however you interpret the rules and driving guidelines that the stewards will use to issue penalties, they are still the same this weekend and probably I think they will be applied in a similar way.

“But yeah, I think it was a productive meeting going forward and I think we will have some solutions in Qatar that I think will hopefully lead to a better understanding of the driver and better racing in general.”

“Yeah, hopefully it should be better.”

As for Verstappen, he simply said that “Carlos explained it perfectly,” while Norris made no comment.

Read more: McLaren does not agree with the FIA's rejection because it has the right to review Norris' punishment