FIA Introduces Last Minute Rule Change Before…read more
In a move to bolster safety and close potential regulatory loopholes, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has implemented critical amendments to the Formula 1 rulebook ahead of the 2025 season. Notably, revisions to Articles 43.8 and 26.10 address pit lane start procedures and the management of damaged vehicles during races, respectively.
Revised Pit Lane Start Procedure: Article 43.8
Historically, teams starting from the pit lane could bypass the formation lap, potentially gaining strategic advantages. To eliminate this loophole, the FIA now mandates that all cars starting from the pit lane must participate in the formation lap. The updated Article 43.8 specifies:
“Once all cars on track have passed the end of the pit lane on the formation lap, the pit exit will be opened and all cars starting from the pit lane able to do so must leave the pit lane and join the formation lap.”
This change ensures uniformity in race starts, preventing teams from exploiting pit lane starts to gain an unfair advantage.
Enhanced Authority for Race Director: Article 26.10
The FIA has also empowered the race director with greater authority to manage damaged vehicles on the track. The revised Article 26.10 stipulates that drivers with significantly damaged cars must pull over at a safe location to avoid endangering others or hindering the competition. The rule states:
“Any driver whose car has significant and obvious damage to a structural component which results in it being in a condition presenting an immediate risk of endangering the driver or others, or whose car has a significant failure or fault which means it cannot reasonably return to the pit lane without unnecessarily impeding another competitor or otherwise hindering the competition must leave the track as soon as it is safe to do so.”
This amendment aims to prevent scenarios where damaged cars continue on track, potentially causing safety hazards or influencing race outcomes.
Catalyst for Change: 2024 Canadian Grand Prix Incident
The impetus for these regulatory changes can be traced back to the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix. During this event, Sergio Pérez of Red Bull Racing suffered significant rear wing damage after a collision. Instead of stopping on track, which would have likely triggered a safety car deployment, Pérez was instructed by his team to return to the pits. This decision allowed the race to continue uninterrupted, benefiting his teammate, Max Verstappen, who went on to win the race. Post-race, Pérez received a three-place grid penalty for the subsequent Grand Prix due to the unsafe condition of his car while returning to the pits.
This incident highlighted the need for clearer regulations to prevent teams from influencing race dynamics by keeping damaged cars on track. The updated Article 26.10 addresses this by granting the race director explicit authority to order teams to retire severely damaged vehicles immediately.
Broader Context: Additional Regulatory Changes for 2025
The 2025 season will see several other significant regulatory updates:
Technical Regulations:
Minimum Weight Increase: The minimum driver weight allowance has been increased from 80kg to 82kg, resulting in the overall minimum car weight (without fuel) rising from 798kg to 800kg. This adjustment aims to promote driver well-being, especially for those who are taller or heavier.
Driver Cooling Systems: In response to extreme heat conditions experienced in past races, a driver cooling kit will be mandated when temperatures exceed 30.5°C. Correspondingly, the minimum car weight will increase by 5kg to accommodate the additional equipment.
DRS Parameters: Adjustments to the Drag Reduction System (DRS) include reducing the minimum slot gap from 10mm to 9.4mm. Additionally, stricter deflection tests on rear wings will be implemented to ensure compliance.
Sporting Regulations:
Abolition of Fastest Lap Point: The point previously awarded for the fastest lap, provided the driver finished within the top ten, has been removed starting from the 2025 season. This decision aims to refocus competition on overall race performance rather than individual lap times.
Young Driver Free Practice Sessions: Teams are now required to allocate two free practice sessions per season to young drivers, doubling the previous mandate. This change seeks to provide emerging talent with more on-track experience.
Mandatory Pit Stops at Monaco: To enhance the spectacle of the Monaco Grand Prix, a minimum of two pit stops will be required, regardless of weather conditions. Additionally, teams must use at least three sets of tires, incorporating two different compounds in dry conditions. This initiative aims to encourage strategic diversity and increase on-track action.
Regulation of Public Comments: The FIA has introduced stringent guidelines concerning driver conduct, particularly regarding language and gestures deemed offensive or inappropriate. Penalties for misconduct include substantial fines, suspensions, and point deductions. This move underscores the FIA’s commitment to maintaining professionalism and respect within the sport.
The FIA’s proactive approach in revising Articles 43.8 and 26.10, among other regulations, reflects a commitment to enhancing safety, fairness, and the overall integrity of Formula 1. By addressing specific incidents from previous seasons and anticipating potential loopholes, these changes aim to ensure a more equitable and competitive environment for all teams and drivers in the 2025 season and beyond.
