Formula 1 has implemented new racing regulations this year that are already influencing decision-making by stewards, even though they won’t become fully regulatory until 2025. The changes, which were introduced ahead of the 2024 season, aim to define the rules of racing in a more specific manner and codify the “let them race” policy advocated by the FIA. These changes have been prompted by concerns about consistency in decision-making and drivers’ lack of clarity regarding what is allowed on the track. The new guidelines, known as the “Driving Standards Guidelines,” will apply to all categories of circuit racing and serve as a consistent reference for drivers, officials, and spectators.
In the past, there were informal racing guidelines that were open to interpretation, leading to contradictions between what was written and what happened on the track. The previous guidelines also lacked clarity regarding the requirement to leave space on the exit of a corner. The new guidelines address these issues by providing specific instructions for different overtaking maneuvers and situations. For example, when overtaking on the inside of a corner, a driver must give room to the other driver if certain conditions are met. Similarly, when overtaking on the outside of a corner, the guidelines acknowledge the difficulty of this maneuver and specify when a driver should leave space.
The guidelines also address the challenges posed by chicanes and S bends. In these situations, where the track quickly changes direction, the guidelines simplify the instructions to avoid complicating matters. The aim is to ensure that drivers adhere to the guidelines and understand when they are entitled to room on the track. However, some concerns have been raised about the potential negative impact of such specific reference positions. These concerns include the possibility of drivers attempting risky overtakes based solely on meeting the requirements at a specific point in a corner and encouraging defending drivers to take a more aggressive approach.
Ultimately, while the new guidelines provide a framework for racing, they cannot replace the need for mutual understanding and cooperation between drivers. Good racing requires more than just following technical guidelines; it requires drivers to be willing to give and take, and to prioritize the overall experience of the race rather than getting caught up in technicalities.