What are the rules for participation in Formula 1 2024?

Overtaking in Formula 1 is far from a ‘free for all’ and there are strict rules regarding how drivers can attack, overtake and defend depending on the type of corner.

Recent events in the 2024 Formula One season have brought attention to the rules that drivers must abide by when racing against their rivals, with the FIA ​​outlining the rules of driving and what is acceptable in action.

Formula 1 introduces driving rules in 2022

Given the strict nature of most Formula 1 rules, it is somewhat surprising that overtaking rules have never been particularly clear in the past.

Although there was a general understanding of the “right way” to overtake, there was little clarity as to what the “wrong way” was, and this has led to an increase in controversial moves and incidents in recent years as the sport’s popularity has grown.

As part of a fundamental overhaul of the governance of Formula 1 and to ensure that as many scenarios in the sport as possible are legislated and formulated to cover as many areas as possible, the FIA ​​introduced the 2022 Driving Standards Guidelines – the rules that drivers must adhere to at on the track and in battle.

They were originally published at the start of the 2022 season and outline what is and is not allowed in wheel-to-wheel battles. It was published “in response to a request from Formula One drivers to confirm the factors that may be taken into account by FIA stewards when making decisions in relation to certain repeat offenses occurring during the season.”

These guidelines have been updated for the 2024 Formula 1 season and below we have detailed the rules that currently apply to drivers overtaking in Formula 1. These rules are likely to change in the coming months following the recent meetings of the Grand Prix drivers. Cooperation with the FIA ​​after controversial incidents with the defense of reigning world champion Max Verstappen.

The latest driving rules, in whatever form they are agreed upon, are set to become part of the 2025 International Formula 1 Sporting Code and can be read in the published FIA rule books.

It is important to note that the Guidelines are merely intended to provide drivers with insight into how stewards assess incidents on the track, but are discretionary in nature as the FIA ​​Sporting Rules, the International Sporting Code and its Appendices supersede them.

For example, the physical context of the accident must be considered, such as whether the drivers could be considered to have reasonably anticipated or anticipated traffic, dive bomb incidents, whether the physical layout of the corner contributed to the accident, whether understeer or oversteer played a role in the outcome, etc.

Stewards’ decisions must therefore be made in accordance with the relevant rules and the Guidelines assist in this process.

Overtaking on the inside of a corner

In simple terms, this means that the attacking driver has managed to place his car in a position where he is on the side of the track where the defending driver needs to turn, i.e. close to the right, aiming for a right-handed person, or close to the left, aimed at a left-handed person.

Overtaking on the inside of a corner is by far the most common method of overtaking, given the lack of protection the overtaking car has once the attacking car has taken that position. But at what point does “attack” become “overtake”?

To be entitled to clear space from the defending vehicle, the attacker is expected to position his front axle at least next to the defender’s mirror at the apex of the corner. It must be driven safely through the entrance, junction and exit without forcing the defending car to leave the road at the exit. The attacker is expected to complete the turn within the lane and must leave width for the defender all the way out of the corner.

Overtaking on the outside of a corner

This is a less common type of overtaking as it usually requires the driver to have a significant speed or grip advantage, as well as some cooperation from the overtaken driver.

This is because the overtaking driver has to take the “long way” by taking a sub-optimal line, while the trade-off for the defending driver is to reduce speed at the apex/exit.

In order for the attacking driver to have room through the corner, including the exit, when attempting to go around the outside, the attacker’s front axle must be positioned at least next to the defending car’s front axle at the apex of the corner. .

If the defending vehicle is far enough ahead at the apex, i.e. half the length of the car, the attacking driver has no right to be given space until the end of the turn, including the exit.

The attacker must be able to negotiate the turn, including the exit, within the course.

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FIA brings further clarity to overtaking tactics

The same rules will apply to all types of corners such as chicanes and esses, meaning that drivers can switch from outside to inside very quickly – the rules for each type will change for each corner the drivers take.

However, priority is given to the first corner element – the attacking rider must follow the rules of the first corner, otherwise he will not gain an advantage in the second.

If either driver runs out into the retirement zone, maintaining racing speed is not acceptable, and when returning to the track, he must not force cars on the track to change their speed or their trajectory to accommodate them.

If a driver leaves the track, he must return to the track safely and must not gain any lasting advantage. If an advantage was gained while going off-course, the driver gaining the advantage will be given a short opportunity to regain that advantage – this is at the discretion of the Race Director.

For cars defending against an attacker, leaving the track or cutting through a chicane while returning to their previous position can be considered to have gained a lasting advantage. Therefore, this position must be given to the attacker – the stewards will have to decide whether the defending driver was defending his position at the moment this rule was triggered, or simply made a mistake himself while driving in front. another car.

Defending riders are also not allowed to change direction more than once on the straight. If a driver moves to protect his position when leaving the racing line, it is expected that when moving back towards the racing line there will be at least one car’s width between the edge of his car and the edge of the track as he enters the corner.

Once the deceleration phase has begun, i.e. when the defending rider applies the brake, there must be no change of direction other than to follow the racing line.

After this, the accumulation of cars beyond the edge of the highway is prohibited.

Read more: Explanation: What is a “parc ferme” and how does the FIA ​​enforce it?