If you’ve ever watched a Formula 1 race, you’ve probably noticed the cars don’t just stick to the asphalt. They often ride over those red-and-white striped areas on the edge of the track to shave off a few tenths of a second. These stripes are called kerbs, and they play a big role in how drivers handle corners. But what exactly are kerbs, what different types exist, and why do they matter so much during a race? Let’s find out.
Kerbs (sometimes spelled “curbs”) are the raised edge elements along the corners of a racetrack. They separate the actual racing surface from the run-off areas. But more than that — they’re a strategic tool. Drivers use them intentionally to take corners more efficiently and gain time.
Kerbs are not just painted asphalt. Their surface is distinct and can vary significantly from track to track. Some are smooth and flat, others ramp-like or harsh and jagged. That means how the car reacts depends entirely on the type of kerb – and pushing too hard over them can lead to loss of control or even car damage.
Not all kerbs are the same – depending on the track and design, they have different heights, materials and effects on the cars.
1.Concrete Kerbs
These are the standard red-and-white kerbs most commonly seen on the inner and outer edges of corners. They’re slightly raised from the track surface, allowing drivers to ride over them aggressively without risking grip loss or damage. They’re a core element of modern tracks and help with visual orientation.
2. Mobile Kerbs
These are modular kerbs that can be bolted onto the track as needed — for example, during street races. They’re not part of the original track layout but are added temporarily to enforce limits or guide racing lines.
3. Scraping Kerbs
Taller and sharper than standard kerbs, these can make a car bounce or lose contact with the ground if hit at speed. Found in faster corners, they require extra caution, as they impact handling significantly.
4. Sausage Kerbs
Sausage kerbs are particularly high and aggressive kerbs that vary in length and height depending on the track and corner. These high, yellow or red kerbs are almost like small ramps and are designed to prevent drivers from driving too far into the run-off zone. However, due to their great height, they are also dangerous: there have been accidents in which a car has been thrown into the air or caused suspension damage by this type of kerb. This is also due to the fact that they are used to enforce track limits, especially in chicanes or corners.
5.Negative & Double-Negative Kerbs
Unlike raised kerbs, negative kerbs are recessed into the ground. Instead of rolling over them, a car dips into a shallow depression — which can destabilize the vehicle. Double-negative kerbs place two of these side by side for even greater impact.
4. Rumble Strips:
These kerbs have a grooved surface that causes the car to vibrate when driven over. The loss of grip is intended to deter drivers from riding too wide. You can hear and feel them — hence the name.
Kerbs often mark the last legal bit of track before penalties kick in.
Drivers use them deliberately to “straighten out” corners and exit faster. A perfect kerb technique can earn vital tenths — sometimes the difference between pole position and P6.
At the same time, this is precisely the reason why kerbs exist in different forms in the first place: to define a clear boundary between the track and the run-off areas. They can also help to reduce the speed of cars in dangerous situations.
But ifa driver drives too aggressively over kerbs, they risk damaging the tires, suspension or underbody. Modern Formula 1 cars in particular, with their sensitive aerodynamics, react sensitively to hard impacts. So a driver has to weigh up exactly when to drive over kerbs and when not to. The design of kerbs is carefully analyzed and adapted by the FIA to ensure a balance between safety and racing action.
As you can see, kerbs are far more than just visual track boundaries. They influence the driving style of the drivers and are therefore also a tactical and and safety-relevant element in motorsport.
FAQ: Kerbs in Formula 1
The classic red and white coloring goes back to the days when Marlboro sponsored many F1 tracks. The colors reflect Marlboro's branding and have since become a visual standard.
As a standard, kerbs are either red and white or blue and white. However, the color scheme is up to the racetrack, so they can also come in other colors.
Not all tracks are the same - some courses have particularly notorious kerbs that make for spectacular scenes and the occasional crash.
Monza: The fast chicanes such as the “Rettifilo” corner are notorious for their high kerbs.
Singapur: The narrow street circuit has some aggressive kerbs that shake the car and often force the drivers to make risky maneuvers.
Silverstone: The flatter kerbs on this high-speed circuit invite you to take full advantage of them - but if you overdo it, you lose grip.
Spielberg: There are a number of “sausage kerbs” here that have caused damage to cars on several occasions - a perfect example of how track boundaries can become a tactical element.
Kerbs might look simple, but they’re one of the most critical elements on a Formula 1 track. They define boundaries, affect car behavior, influence race strategies, and even decide between victory and defeat. Used wisely, they’re allies. Used recklessly, they’re traps. Mastering kerb usage is an art — and in the ultra-competitive world of F1, every millisecond counts.
