In Formula 1, "track limits" refer to the white lines along the edges of the track that define the edges of the circuit, acting as the boundaries for the "field of play". They play a key safety role, limiting how drivers can attack the circuit. The FIA decides the exact boundaries of track limits before any action gets underway, and they vary from race to race depending on the nature of the track. During practices and qualifying, if a driver is found to have exceeded track limits, their time for that lap is deleted. In addition, if a driver is found to have exceeded track limits in the final corner of one lap, their time for the next lap may be deleted if race stewards determine that the driver gained an advantage for the subsequent lap. During the race, if a driver exceeds track limits, they may receive a penalty. The way track limits work has changed over time, but now the FIA assesses specific corners where track limits are usually a problem and says its only when a driver has all four wheels outside of the outer edge of the track that they are deemed to be off the track. The purpose of track limits is to stop drivers from gaining a sporting advantage, and without them, drivers would simply drive off the track on corners where there is no grass or gravel to increase their minimum speed in the corner and to open up the turn so they can get on the throttle earlier, which would give them more speed down the next straight.