The FIA has sanctioned the use of a new, taller debris fence, set to be introduced from the F1 2025 season onwards, as part of their ongoing commitment to enhance safety within motorsport. This proactive step is aimed at bolstering protection at circuits for competitors, trackside personnel, and spectators.
The FIA’s unceasing pursuit of safety in racing has led to the latest introduction and approval of a 6-metre high debris fence. This structure, designed and manufactured by Swiss firm Geobrugg, offers an elevated level of safeguarding in areas of heightened risk. The new fence is expected to play a crucial role in areas with high-speed turns, severe inclines, or grandstands that may be susceptible to airborne debris.
Under FIA’s stringent regulations, all newly constructed circuits are required to incorporate these homologated products. Existing Grade 1 circuits will also be mandated to replace damaged or broken fences with the homologated solution. Grade 2 circuits will be expected to comply by 2026. Furthermore, the 6-metre high fence can be optionally deployed by circuits seeking to provide enhanced safety for racing enthusiasts.
Although circuits like Suzuka, Bahrain, Monza, Interlagos, and Fuji already employ 6m high fences, they have not undergone testing against the highest safety standards required for homologation. The Geobrugg fence is the first of its height to be approved by the FIA. It has endured a series of rigorous tests, including a 780 kg sphere being launched at it at a speed of 60 kph, and a full-scale car crashing into it at 120 kph. The fence demonstrated its resilience by keeping the impact within a 3-metre zone, thereby earning FIA Standard 3502-2018 homologation status.
The new fence design also takes into account spectator experience. By increasing the spacing of the cables above a height of 3m, it allows for an unobstructed view for spectators in the grandstands while still offering protection against flying debris.
Jochen Braunwarth, Geobrugg’s director of motorsport solutions, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, “Our goal to ensure safety for spectators, workers, and officials at a race circuit has made significant progress with the introduction of the heightened debris fence. It provides an increased level of protection against airborne debris that could potentially reach grandstands or other spectator areas. Striking a balance between being close to the action and ensuring safety often poses additional risk. However, this new, taller solution mitigates that additional risk by offering enhanced protection from flying debris originating from crashing cars.”