The FIA has sought to eliminate confusion stemming from two incidents that occurred during the Chinese Grand Prix through an updated version of Formula 1’s sporting regulations.
During qualifying at the Shanghai International Circuit in April, Carlos Sainz lost control of his Ferrari, resulting in a spin that damaged his front wing. After remaining stationary for a significant time, race control decided to throw the red flags, halting the session.
However, Sainz managed to restart his car, return to the pits, and finish the qualifying session, ultimately qualifying seventh and advancing to Q3.
At the time, Article 39.6, which pertains to cars stopping on the track during qualifying, stated: “Any driver whose car stops on the track during the qualifying session or the sprint qualifying will not be permitted to take any further part in that session.”
Aston Martin believed Sainz had violated this rule and lodged a protest against the qualifying result, which was subsequently dismissed by the race stewards that weekend.
As part of a broader set of regulatory changes released ahead of August, the FIA has revised Article 39.6. The new wording now specifies: “Any driver whose car stops in any area other than the pitlane during the qualifying session or the sprint qualifying session and receives physical assistance will not be permitted to take any further part in that session.”
Carlos Sainz, Ferrari SF-24, spins out in Q2 causing car damage and a red flag
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Importantly, under the updated regulation, Sainz would not have been found in violation and would have been allowed to continue in the session since he returned to the circuit independently.
This update brings greater clarity for similar scenarios in the future and should help avoid potential protests.
An additional adjustment resulting from the incidents in China means that penalties incurred during sprint races will now carry over into the subsequent grand prix.
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso collided with Sainz at Turn 9 while attempting an ambitious overtake, receiving a time penalty as a result.
However, since the two-time world champion had already withdrawn from the sprint race, he faced no further repercussions. With the amendment to Article 54.3.d, Alonso will now bear a carryover penalty, enforced as a grid position drop for the following race.
The amended regulation states: “If any of [the] penalties above are imposed upon a driver, and that driver is unable to serve the penalty due to being unclassified in the sprint session or the race in the case of a) or b) or due to retirement from the sprint session or the race in the case of c) or d), the stewards may impose a grid place penalty on the driver at their next race.”
