FIA announces updates to 2025 Formula 1 regulations

The FIA has announced a series of updates to the 2025 Formula 1 regulations, covering Sporting, Technical, Financial, and the newly introduced Operational frameworks, following the approval of the World Motor Sport Council.

These changes aim to address key challenges, enhance inclusivity, and support F1’s long-term sustainability goals.The FIA began its announcement by reflecting on the success of the record-breaking 2024 season.

“The FIA President, together with the President and CEO of FOM, Stefano Domenicali, reflected on a hugely successful season in 2024, which was the longest in the history of the sport,” the governing body noted.

The statement also highlighted the strength of the driver development system.

“The productivity of the single-seater pyramid, which stretches from Karting through to Formula 1, was highlighted, with no fewer than four drivers stepping up from the FIA Formula 2 Championship into Formula 1 in 2025.”

• Read also: FIA unveils updated next-generation 2026 Formula 1 car

New clause addresses ‘Mini-DRS’ controversy  
The rear wing slot gap for the two DRS modes has been adjusted, with the minimum gap reduced—likely to prevent teams from replicating McLaren's "mini-DRS" trick from 2024.

McLaren’s innovative solution involved the wing slot gap opening slightly on straights to reduce drag, a strategy most notably employed during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The revised regulations now set the minimum slot gap at 9.4-13mm, down from the previous 10-15mm range. With DRS activated, the maximum gap remains capped at 85mm. Additionally, the FIA has tightened its rules for DRS functionality, requiring that the system operates with only two defined positions and mandating that deactivating DRS must restore the wing precisely to its original configuration.

Protecting Drivers from Extreme Heat
One of the most notable updates to the 2025 regulations is the formalization of “Heat Hazard” protocols, which mandate the use of driver cooling kits under extreme weather conditions.

The issue gained urgency following the extreme heat during the Qatar Grand Prix in 2023, where several drivers, including Williams’ Logan Sargeant, struggled with heat exhaustion. The new rule seeks to ensure drivers' safety in similar situations moving forward.

Adoption of Gender-Neutral Language
In a move to promote inclusivity, Formula 1 will now adopt gender-neutral language in its Sporting Regulations, aligning with changes already implemented in Formula 2 and Formula 3.

Passages in the rulebook that previously read, “the stewards may disqualify him from the race,” will now state, “the stewards may disqualify the driver from the race.”

Progress on 2026 Technical and Financial Regulations
As teams prepare for the significant overhaul of F1’s technical framework in 2026, the FIA announced refinements to the 2026 Technical Regulations, allowing teams to begin aerodynamic work on the new cars from January 1, 2025.

Additionally, adjustments to the Financial Regulations will exclude spending on “Sustainability Initiatives” from the sport’s cost cap provisions in 2025 and 2026. This measure supports Formula 1’s ambition to become Carbon Net-Zero by 2030.

Introduction of Operational Regulations
For the first time, Operational Regulations have been introduced to manage F1 team activities outside of race weekends.

“These regulations will govern elements such as limitations to aerodynamic testing, power unit testing, and mandatory shutdown periods,” the FIA stated. Previously, these elements were part of the Sporting Regulations but have now been transferred to create a dedicated framework.

Domenicali’s Perspective on the Changes
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the collaborative effort behind the updates, emphasizing their importance for the sport’s evolution.

“Formula 1 continues to lead in innovation, inclusion, and sustainability,” Domenicali said. “These new regulations reflect our commitment to driving progress both on and off the track, ensuring that F1 remains at the forefront of global motorsport.”

With these changes, the FIA aims to strike a balance between safety, inclusivity, and sustainability while providing teams with clarity as they prepare for upcoming seasons. The adjustments demonstrate Formula 1’s commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of the sport and its participants.

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