FIA clarifies F1 sporting regulations

During qualifying on the Shanghai circuit, Carlos Sainz had spun, hitting the wall with his Ferrari. The Spanish driver took a long time before being able to return to the track, forcing the race direction to bring out a red flag. According to the regulations in force at the time, he should not have been able to return to the track once the green flag was waved, having caused an interruption of the session. But Sainz returned to the track well, moving through Q3 and qualifying in seventh position. Aston Martin protested at the time, believing that the regulation had not been applied correctly.

An amendment was therefore made to the sporting regulations, in article 39.6, which now indicates: « TAny driver whose car stops on the track in an area other than the pit lane during the qualifying session or Sprint qualifying session and who receives physical assistance will not be allowed to return to the track. »

Sprint penalties may be carried over to other races

A clarification which would not have changed the result of Sainz's exit in China, but which would have placed a clear regulatory framework. The Spaniard not having received any help from the commissioners, he would have had every right to take part in the session again. Another amendment was made to the sporting regulations, this time concerning the penalties awarded during sprint races. Article 54.3.d now explains that a penalty received during a Sprint can be carried over to the next race (the Sunday Grand Prix in most cases) if it could not be served during the race of Saturday. A scenario that had arisen in China, Fernando Alonso having received a five-second penalty after a collision with Carlos Sainz. As Alonso retired, he was never able to receive his penalty and serve it.

Finally, the FIA ​​added article 10.10 to the regulations, governing tests with mules and modified cars in order to best prepare for the change in regulations in 2026. The teams will be able to use cars from the last four seasons during these sessions. tests, which should also allow Pirelli to best prepare its tires for the new regulations. The Italian manufacturer has, however, already warned that it seemed more than difficult to create these mules, particularly due to the reduction in the width of the single-seaters, from 2m to 1,80m.

ALSO READ > Michael Schumacher, the last disqualified winner before George Russell