FIA Addresses Stewarding Controversies with F1 Drivers, Reviews Driving Standards

The FIA has met with Formula 1 drivers to review the Driving Standards Guidelines (DSGs), first introduced in 2022 to clarify racing incident adjudications. This meeting, the third annual review, comes amidst growing driver concern over stewarding decisions.

Why it matters:

Consistent and fair stewarding is crucial for the integrity and competitive balance of Formula 1. Discrepancies in rulings can lead to frustration among drivers and teams, potentially impacting race outcomes and the perception of fairness. Addressing these concerns directly with drivers is essential for maintaining confidence in the sport's judicial process.

The details:

The meeting included all drivers on the 2025 grid, alongside three recommended driver stewards for the 2026 season. Several recent incidents and rulings that had drawn scrutiny were examined:

• Carlos Sainz's collision with Oliver Bearman at the Italian Grand Prix.
• A Williams driver's incident with Liam Lawson in Zandvoort, specifically regarding penalty application in long-radius corners.
• Lando Norris's track limits violations involving Charles Leclerc at the United States Grand Prix and defining what constitutes a 'strike'.
• The chaotic opening-lap incident from the Mexico City Grand Prix, involving Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, who both appeared to leave the track and gain an advantage.

Key Takeaways:

• Yellow Flags: A renewed emphasis on the need for greater respect for yellow flags was highlighted, with discussions about potential additional concepts to enhance safety in these scenarios.
• Post-Race Hearings: A clear preference was established for hearings to be conducted after the race when stewards deem that all relevant evidence may not be available during live race conditions.
• Driver Steward Importance: Both drivers and the FIA acknowledged that guidelines cannot cover every unique scenario, underscoring the vital role of an experienced driver steward on each panel.
• Blue Flag Guidelines: The possibility of introducing specific guidelines related to blue flags for lapped cars was also discussed to improve clarity and consistency.

What's next:

While specific changes weren't immediately announced, these discussions signal an ongoing effort by the FIA to refine and clarify stewarding rules. The collaborative approach with drivers indicates a commitment to improving consistency and driver understanding, which could lead to updated DSGs in the near future. This proactive engagement aims to preempt future controversies and ensure a fairer racing environment.