The Formula 1 has implemented new racing regulations this year that are already influencing decision-making by stewards, even though they will only become fully regulatory in 2025. The changes, which were introduced before the 2024 season, aim to define racing rules more specifically and codify the “let them race” policy advocated by the FIA. These changes were motivated by concerns about consistency in decision-making and lack of clarity for drivers on what is allowed on track. The new guidelines, known as “Driving Standards Guidelines,” will apply to all circuit racing categories 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 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, the driver must give space to the other driver if certain conditions are met. Similarly, when overtaking on the outside of a corner, the guidelines recognize the difficulty of this maneuver and specify when a driver should leave space.
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The guidelines also address the challenges presented by chicanes and S-curves. In these situations, where the track changes direction rapidly, the guidelines simplify the instructions to avoid complicating things. The goal is to ensure that drivers follow the guidelines and understand when they are entitled to space on the track. However, some concerns have been raised about the potential negative impact of such specific reference points. These concerns include the possibility of drivers attempting risky overtakes based solely on meeting the requirements at a specific point in a curve and encouraging defending drivers to take a more aggressive approach.
Ultimately, while the new guidelines provide a framework for the races, they cannot replace the need for mutual understanding and cooperation among drivers. A good race requires more than just following technical guidelines; it requires drivers to be willing to yield and prioritize the overall racing experience rather than getting caught up in technical issues.
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