FIA Rules Clarifying Disputes

The FIA ​​has published the full text of the clarifications regarding the rules of the fight on the track – this text was sent to the championship teams before the start of the season, but only appeared in the public domain today.

The need for such a document arose after the end of last season, when several acute situations arose during the races, but in some cases their participants were fined, in others not and some incidents were not investigated at all. As a result, the teams and drivers wanted to understand the logic that guides the stewards in making their decisions.

In the FIA ​​Clarifications, we talk about the rules and requirements judges adhere to when investigating incidents that occur during overtaking attempts, the concept of a long-term advantage drivers gain from leaving the track and other key points are interpreted.

Rule Clarification issued by the FIA ​​on March 19, 2022

These guidelines have been developed by the FIA ​​in response to requests from Formula 1 drivers to the FIA ​​for official clarification of the factors FIA stewards take into account when making decisions regarding certain repeated rule violations over the course of the season.

These are instructions only to assist the stewards in their decision making and are not official.

All stewards’ decisions are made in accordance with the FIA ​​International Sporting Code in conjunction with all rules applicable in Formula 1.

Overtaking on a bend on the inside:

“In order for the overtaking car to leave sufficient space on the track, the overtaking car must be almost flush with the overtaken car and the maneuver must be performed in a safe and controlled manner, with the car clearly staying within the track.

Stewards will consider several factors when interpreting “substantial” while overtaking on the inside of the turn. They will pay attention to such a moment: whether the front wheels of the overtaking car have overtaken another car, and this should be done at the latest at the peak of the turn.

Overtaking in a bend on the outer track:

“In order for the overtaking car to leave sufficient space on the track, the overtaking car must be almost flush with the overtaken car and the maneuver must be performed in a safe and controlled manner, with the car clearly staying within the track.

Stewards will consider several factors when interpreting “substantial” while overtaking on the outer path of the turn. They will pay attention to such a moment: whether the overtaking car at the beginning of the bend was ahead of the overtaken car. The car being overtaken must be able to take the bend while staying within the track.”

Chicanes and S-curves:

“The above instructions apply equally to all turns, but in addition we remind everyone of the provisions of the current rules that provide for such situations:

Track Limits:

The requirements of Article 27.3 of the Formula 1 Sport Regulations will be strictly adhered to and appropriate penalties will be imposed in case of violations:

“To be clear, the white lines that define the edges of the track are considered part of the track, as opposed to curbs. If for some reason the car leaves the track, the rider can turn back.

But only if it can be done safely and without any long-term benefit. A driver is considered to have gone off the track if no part of his car remains in contact with the track.”

To create interference on the track:

The requirements of Article 27.4 of the Formula 1 Sport Regulations will be strictly enforced and appropriate penalties will be imposed for violations:

“At no time should the car be driven unreasonably slowly, erratically or in a manner that could be considered potentially dangerous to other drivers or other persons.”

Return of a received long-term benefit:

The procedure provided for in article 27.3 is strictly followed:

“Once the car has left the track, the driver can return, but only if it is safe to do so and without lasting benefit. At the same time, the Race Director may, at his discretion, give the Driver the opportunity to repay in full the benefit gained as a result of leaving the track.

For example, if a rider cuts a chicane or a turn, he (or she) must reclaim the advantage himself. This can be the return of the played time or the position.

Execution of rules associated with flags

All Championship participants must, strictly in accordance with the rules, meet the requirements associated with the flags displayed on the track during the weekend.