FIA tackles jump starts and teams not running in practice with new F1 rules

New Formula 1 rules have been published which aim to tackle problems which surfaced in the opening races of 2024.

The updates to the sporting regulations are targeted at preventing drivers from jumping the start and ensuring teams do not sit out rain-affected practice sessions to save tyres.

Lando Norris was accused by some of his rivals of jumping the start in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last month when his car moved before the red starting lights went out. However an investigation cleared the McLaren driver as the FIA transponder fitted to his car did not indicate it had moved.

An update to the F1 sporting regulations now allows the stewards to rule a car has moved too soon even if the transponder fails to recognise it. The revised rule no longer states the judgement must be made “by an FIA approved and supplied transponder.”

It states a driver will be penalised for a false start if they move “after the four-second light is illuminated and before the start signal is given by extinguishing all red lights.” The ‘four-second’ warning is given when the second pair of red lights is illuminated prior to the start.

Spectators watch practice at Suzuka, 2024 — Fans saw few laps in the second session at Suzuka

The FIA has also added a new rule aimed at encouraging teams to cover significant running in rain-affected practice sessions instead of preserving their limited allocation of intermediate tyres. A new clause has been inserted, article 30.5 (g), to discourage teams stockpiling wet weather tyres.

“From the five sets of intermediate tyres allocated to each driver under Article 30.2 (a) ii, if [first, second or third practice) is declared wet, one set of intermediate tyres must be electronically returned no later than two hours after the end of [third practice],” the new rule reads.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali was among those who voiced his displeasure over the lack of running which occured during the rain-hit second practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka earlier this month.

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