F1: Drivers and FIA debate race rules, seek changes in penalties

F1 Drivers Express Concerns About Race Rules

In a meeting held in Qatar, Formula 1 drivers met with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to express their concerns about the application of race rules. Although no immediate changes were agreed upon in the guidelines for the drivers, the meeting highlighted the need to address recent controversies. The F1’s career guidelines, established at last year’s Qatar Grand Prix, have generated controversial decisions. Penalties for on-track incidents have been a recurring theme in the 2025 season, with drivers frustrated by the inconsistency in decisions and the application of general rules to very different circuits. Pilots have requested modifications to the FIA’s guidelines for determining penalties, and had the opportunity to raise their concerns on Thursday night in Qatar, before this year’s race.

There is potential for improvement. I believe the guidelines themselves have created more problems than solutions to many issues that have occurred this year in the way we judge incidents. There has hardly been any margin for racing incidents this year.

Carlos Sainz, president of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association and Williams driver

In addition, the call for a permanent group of career stewards has been increased, which includes at least one with recent experience in F1.

The meeting on Thursday evening was described by the FIA as “frank, open and collegial”. Five problematic incidents from this year were addressed, which were the focus of the discussion:

• The collision between Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Piastri in Brazil.
• The collision between Sainz and Oliver Bearman in Italy.
• The collision between Sainz and Liam Lawson in the Netherlands.
• A track limits incident involving Lando Norris and Leclerc at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
• Leclerc and Max Verstappen going off track at the start of the Mexico City Grand Prix and not being penalized.

The FIA announced that discussions in Qatar “will inform any future refinement of the DSG.” During the meeting, the drivers expressed their preference for sanctions hearings to be held after the race, rather than imposing them during the Grand Prix. They also highlighted that the guidelines cannot cover all scenarios. The statement added that the drivers “underlined the importance of having an experienced race steward on each panel”, while discussing revisions to yellow flag situations during races and the control of blue flags waved to indicate to lapped traffic to allow passing to approaching cars.

This is a developing story and more information will be provided as it becomes available.