The FIA has published the updated Formula 1 driving standards guidelines which were issued ahead of the 2022 season.
The 2021 season saw a series of controversies over stewards’ decisions to penalise, not penalise or not investigate a series of incidents. It left many drivers wanting greater insight into the rationale behind stewards’ decisions.
Michael Masi was relieved of his duties as FIA F1 race director following an investigation into the finish of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The FIA subsequently installed a new, expanded race direction team and issued guidelines to all 10 teams to help explain the rationale that would be applied by stewards when considering incidents during races.
The guidelines, which have been in force throughout the opening three rounds of the F1 season, have been published in full for the first time today. They were shared with Formula 3 teams and race stewards ahead of their second round at Imola this weekend, supporting the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
The guidelines cover the rules and requirements covering incidents during attempted overtakes, gaining a lasting advantage by leaving the track and more:
FIA Formula 1 Driving Standards Guidelines
Issued March 19, 2022
These guidelines are being issued by the FIA in response to a request from Formula 1 drivers for the FIA to confirm the factors that may be taken into account by the FIA Stewards, when decisions are made in relation to certain repeated infringements that occur in the course of a season.
For avoidance of doubt, these are merely guidelines to assist the stewards in their decision making and are non-binding.
All stewards` decisions will be made pursuant to the FIA International Sporting Code read in conjunction with all relevant regulations applicable to Formula 1.
Guidelines for overtaking on the inside of a corner:
“In order for a car being overtaken to be required to give sufficient room to an overtaking car, the overtaking car needs to have a significant portion of the car…