The FIA hosted its third annual driving standards review meeting with F1 drivers during the Qatar GP. F1 drivers discussed driving standards and penalty guidelines, shared their perspective with stewards, and ensure that regulations are applied clearly and consistently.
The 2025 F1 season has seen numerous controversial stewarding decisions. Most recently, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri received a 10-second penalty for causing a collision during the São Paulo GP. Following a Safety Car restart, Piastri tried to overtake both Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc. Unfortunately, the Australian driver hit Antonelli, who in turn hit Leclerc.
Williams driver Carlos Sainz spoke out about Piastri’s penalty, claiming, “The fact that Oscar got a penalty there in Brazil is unacceptable, honestly, for the category that we are in and being the pinnacle of motorsport.”
Sainz currently serves as director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GDPA), representing the interests of F1 drivers in terms of safety and regulation concerns. He advocated for a meeting with the FIA to discuss the current Driving Standards Guidelines.
What happened at the FIA driving standards meeting?
F1 drivers discussed their concerns with the current Driving Standards Guidelines, which clarifies what is and is not permitted when overtaking or defending on track. These guidelines were introduced in 2022 following complaints about stewarding inconsistencies.
According to the FIA, data suggests that the guidelines have contributed to greater consistency in stewarding decisions. Additionally, the stewards emphasised that the guidelines are not strict regulations.
What F1 incidents were discussed at the FIA driving standards meeting?
Several controversial moments from the 2025 F1 season were discussed during the meeting, including:
- Piastri–Antonelli (São Paulo GP): overtaking on the inside
- Sainz–Bearman (Italian GP): overtaking on the outside
- Sainz–Lawson (Dutch GP): application of the guidelines in long-radius corners
- Norris–Leclerc (United States GP): track limits and what should or should not count as a strike
- Verstappen–Leclerc (Mexico City GP): leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage
What are the main takeaways from the FIA driving standards meeting?
Several topics were brought up by F1 drivers during the meeting. The drivers emphasised the need for stronger emphasis on respect for yellow flags. A future discussion of methods to enhance safety on track is expected.
Drivers had a clear preference for hearings to be held after the race, particularly when stewards believe not all relevant materials are available during the race.
Drivers and stewards agreed that the guidelines cannot cover every scenario, highlighting the importance of having an experienced driver steward on the panel.
Lastly, drivers discussed the guidelines for blue flags, including potential clarifications in the guidelines about expected behaviour from lapped cars.
