Formula 1’s racing rules could see a drastic overhaul before the close of the 2024 season, following intense scrutiny and criticism of recent regulations after the contentious United States Grand Prix. As drivers expressed their frustrations during Thursday’s opening of the Mexican GP weekend, the push for reform gained momentum, culminating in a heated F1 drivers’ briefing on Friday.
Loic Bacquelaine, the continuity steward in both Mexico and Austin, led discussions around what many consider outdated or vague racing guidelines. Bacquelaine and FIA representatives acknowledged the need to clarify these rules, which are still in an experimental phase and are expected to formally enter the International Sporting Code in 2025. However, the pressure to address the issues sooner has put Qatar on the calendar as a possible venue for deciding and fast-tracking these changes.
The main points up for debate include tightening rules around defending drivers’ behavior, specifically when a defending car leaves the track to hold a position, as was the case with Max Verstappen in Austin. While current guidelines broadly prohibit “going off track and gaining an advantage,” the absence of a clear stipulation within the “overtaking on the outside” context has created ambiguity. This lack of clarity has fueled calls to introduce harsher penalties, with some suggesting that both Verstappen and Lando Norris should have received 10-second penalties to address the incident.
The push for rule changes also focuses on enhancing track limits and improving the understanding of car positioning in corners, especially in cases of overtaking on the inside versus outside. Additionally, drivers are calling for more physical deterrents like gravel strips to deter track-limit breaches, similar to Austria’s setup, but implementing such a deterrent at Austin’s Turn 12 is complicated by the track’s design.
Pending discussions with the FIA, the Single Seater Commission, and the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, the revised guidelines could see immediate adoption following the Qatar meeting, potentially reshaping the season’s closing races.
