The FIA has released the updated version of its racing guidelines and the revised penalty framework to be applied throughout the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The update responds to calls for greater transparency from the governing body after several contentious penalties and racing incidents last year.
While the document was previously kept confidential, the FIA has now made the latest 2025 version publicly available on its website.
The revised guidelines aim to clarify which car holds priority in wheel-to-wheel battles, particularly regarding the requirement to leave space when exiting a corner.
The guidelines state the following:
“A. Overtaking on the INSIDE of a corner: To be entitled to be given room when overtaking on the INSIDE, the overtaking car must:
i) Have its front axle AT LEAST ALONGSIDE THE MIRROR of the other car PRIOR TO AND AT THE APEX
ii) Be driven in a fully controlled manner particularly from entry to apex, and not have “dived in”.
iii) In the Stewards’ estimation, have taken a reasonable racing line and been able to complete the move whilst remaining within track limits.
“B. Overtaking on the OUTSIDE of a corner: Overtaking on the outside will always be viewed as a more difficult manoeuvre to accomplish. To be entitled to be given room, including at the exit, when overtaking on the OUTSIDE, the overtaking car must:
i) Have its front axle AHEAD OF THE FRONT AXLE of the other car AT THE APEX.
ii) Be driven in a controlled manner from entry, to apex, and to exit. iii) Be able to make the corner within track limits.
“C. Chicanes and S-Bends:
i) The above guides for INSIDE and OUTSIDE may apply for each element of the combination. Generally, priority will be given to the first corner element.“
Guidelines continued and the scope for case-by-case judgement
The document emphasises that while these guidelines provide a framework, stewards retain discretion to judge incidents on a case-by-case basis, considering a range of factors.
The guidelines explain: “It’s important to stress these are guidelines, not regulations, and merely help competitors understand how stewards are likely to judge a certain incident.
“But stewards still have the authority to make case-by-case judgements based on the sporting regulations, and the FIA has specified the elements that are also being taken into consideration.
“i) How did the cars get to the incident? (E.g. late braking, diving in, moving under braking.)
ii) Was the manoeuvre late or “optimistic”?
iii) What could the drivers reasonably see, know, or anticipate?
iv) Do we believe the manoeuvre could be completed on the track?
v) Was there understeer / oversteer / locking?
vi) Did someone position / handle their car in a way that contributed to the incident?
vii) Did the type of corner contribute to the incident? (e.g. camber, kerbs, curve, apexes)
viii) What were the relative tyres / tyre age / grip?“
Penalty system revisions and driver safety measures
The document also details further information on track limits, as another document was included in the announcement on the subject of penalty points.
It provides detailed penalties for a wide range of infractions, including track limits breaches, unsafe driving, pit lane violations, and Safety Car procedures.
It also reinforces the penalty points system, where drivers face a one-race suspension if they accumulate 12 points within a 12-month period.
There is a stronger emphasis on safety, with harsher penalties for ignoring flag signals, Safety Car infringements, and misconduct towards race officials.
The guidelines also introduce clearer, progressive sanctions based on the severity and intent of incidents, ensuring tougher punishments for deliberate or reckless actions while allowing flexibility for mitigating circumstances.
GPDA director George Russell welcomed the FIA’s announcement, offering his perspective on the matter.
The Mercedes driver has been an outspoken critic of the federation’s lack of transparency recently, but he acknowledged the move as a positive development.
“Greater transparency within the governance of our sport is an important issue and this is a useful step in that direction,” Russell said.
“Hopefully it will be beneficial for the sport by giving the media and fans a clearer understanding of the rules of engagement when we’re racing on track, and helping them see how the stewards arrive at their decisions.”
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