FIA introduces new Formula 1 rule following red flag controversy in 2025
The FIA has confirmed the introduction of a new Formula 1 regulation aimed at preventing future disputes over red flag decisions, following a highly controversial incident during the 2025 season.
The rule change comes in response to events at last year’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where a delayed qualifying session and the deletion of Ollie Bearman’s lap time sparked criticism from teams, drivers, and fans alike. The governing body has now moved to tighten its wording around how lap times are judged when red flags are deployed, with the amendment set to apply from the 2026 season onward.
Background to the controversy
The flashpoint occurred during Q1 at Imola, when Alpine rookie Franco Colapinto crashed, triggering red flags. At the same moment, Haas driver Ollie Bearman was completing what would have been his fastest lap of the session. Race control ruled that Bearman had crossed the line after the red flag had been shown, meaning his lap time was invalid and subsequently deleted.
That decision resulted in Bearman being eliminated from Q1, despite Haas believing he had done enough to progress into Q2. The incident caused a 25-minute delay before the start of the second qualifying segment while officials reviewed the data.
Haas strongly disputed the FIA’s interpretation of events, arguing that the red flag was not visible to the driver when he crossed the finish line. After the session, the American team pressed the FIA for greater transparency and clarification on how the decision was reached.
In a statement released following discussions with the governing body, Haas said it had requested further written explanation of the decision-making process surrounding Bearman’s lap, while also asking what steps could be taken to prevent similar scenarios in the future.
Despite the pushback, the FIA stood by its ruling. Officials later published timing data which they said proved that Bearman had completed his lap after the red flag signal was officially activated.
FIA clarifies the rules
In response to the fallout, the FIA has now added a new clause to the International Sporting Code that removes ambiguity around red flag timing and lap validity.
The updated regulation makes it clear that any lap completed after the first display of a red flag will not count, regardless of whether the lap time is recorded by the timing system.
The rule states that if a car crosses the control line after a red flag has been shown, the lap will automatically be deemed invalid. The moment of first display will be defined either by the official timekeeping system or, if that data is unavailable or unsynchronised, by confirmation from the race director or clerk of the course alongside the chief timekeeper.
Importantly, the regulation also instructs stewards to delete any lap time that may still be logged after the red flag display. The provision applies universally across practice sessions, qualifying, and races, ensuring consistency throughout an entire race weekend.
The FIA believes the new wording eliminates grey areas and ensures that teams, drivers, and officials all operate under the same clearly defined framework.
Bearman’s reaction
Bearman was openly critical of the FIA following the incident, expressing frustration over what he felt was an unfair decision that cost him a stronger grid position.
The Haas rookie insisted that his dashboard warning light — the primary signal drivers rely on — did not illuminate until well after he had crossed the line. He also pointed to onboard footage, claiming it showed no visible red flags at trackside when he completed the lap.
According to Bearman, the issue highlighted a deeper problem with how decisions are handled once they are made. He suggested that even when evidence appears to contradict a ruling, officials are reluctant to reverse course.
The deleted lap forced Bearman to start the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix from 19th on the grid, a significant setback on a circuit where overtaking is notoriously difficult.
Looking ahead to 2026
While the decision at Imola remains unchanged, the FIA’s latest rule update signals an acknowledgement that clearer procedures were needed. By formally defining how red flag timing is determined and enforced, the governing body hopes to avoid repeat controversies as Formula 1 enters a new era under the 2026 technical regulations.
For teams like Haas and drivers like Bearman, the clarification may not undo past frustration, but it does offer reassurance that future qualifying sessions will be governed by stricter, more transparent rules — reducing the chance of confusion at crucial moments.
