P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The FIA has rewritten parts of its sporting rules to prevent loopholes exploited by Formula 1 teams in regard to cars that start from the pits and attempt to continue after incidents.
Ahead of the new F1 season, the sport’s governing body has introduced rule changes to prevent teams from gaining unfair advantages, with the first major alteration being made in Article 43.8. Motorsport.com has reported that all cars starting from the pitlane must now participate in the formation lap, making it mandatory for all pitlane starters to complete the lap before joining the main grid. Pitlane starters must line up in qualifying order, and will be directed to join the back of the queue if they arrive after the five-minute pre-race signal. The reworded rule prevents potential loopholes that allowed pitlane starters to gain advantages during aborted race starts or wet conditions. Another significant change made by the FIA is in Article 26.10, giving the F1 Race Director the authority to stop a damaged car on-track if it poses a risk to other competitors. The updated rule requires drivers with significant damage or failures to leave the track immediately, prioritizing safety for all participants.
