Changes have been made to the controversial rules following talks between the drivers and the FIA.
The FIA has announced a revamp of driving standards and penalties for F1 drivers after a key meeting in Qatar last season. Following controversial incidents, including Carlos Sainz’s penalty for an incident at the 2025 Dutch GP, drivers and the governing body held discussions to clarify rules and strengthen steward guidelines.
Sainz initially received penalty points for a collision with Liam Lawson, later cleared after Williams’ review process. Starting from the 2026 season, penalty points will be assigned for dangerous actions or unsportsmanlike behavior leading to collisions.
Haas’ Oliver Bearman begins 2026 with 10 penalty points, facing a one-race ban at 12 points. Stewards will exercise more flexibility, considering drivers’ efforts to avoid collisions and applying physics in their decisions.
New criteria address contentious issues like drivers forcing rivals wide and behavior under yellow and blue flags. The detailed guidelines can be accessed for full clarity and transparency on penalties and driving standards moving forward.
