FIA tightens grip on pitlane start tactics and damaged cars

The FIA has introduced several key changes to Formula 1's sporting regulations for the 2025 season, focusing on pitlane start procedures and the handling of damaged cars.

The tweaks, detailed in Articles 43.8 and 26.10 of the FIA's sporting regs, aim to close loopholes and enhance overall safety and fairness, addressing issues that have arisen in recent seasons.

With the F1 season underway next week in Melbourne, the revised rules are already reshaping race strategies.

Pitlane Starters Join the Formation Lap

Under the revamped Article 43.8, all cars starting from the pitlane must now exit and participate in the formation lap alongside the grid. Previously, cars lingered in their garages until the grid formed, and before making their way to the end of the pitlane, skipping the lap entirely.

After completing the formation lap, pitlane starters will return to the pits and line up in qualifying order at the end of the pitlane – unless they join after the post-five-minute signal, in which case they will tag onto the back of the pack.

This eliminates strategic advantages from the old rules, where teams could exploit extra formation laps or wet conditions.

For instance, pitlane starters could once gain fuel or tyre benefits during aborted starts or safety car periods. Now, mandatory participation closes these gaps, ensuring all cars face equal conditions at the race outset.

Closing the Damage Loophole

The second major tweak, Article 26.10, addresses drivers returning damaged cars to the pitlane.

Inspired by past incidents – though not tied to a specific 2024 event, despite Sergio Perez’s debris-strewn return in Canada last year – the rule empowers race director Rui Marques to intervene decisively.

If a car sustains “significant and obvious damage to a structural component” or a critical failure posing risks or impeding others, Marques can order it off the track immediately.

The directive kicks in as soon as it’s safe, bypassing the slower black-flag-with-orange-disc process.

While communication details – direct to driver or via race engineer – remain unclear, the intent is swift action to prevent unsafe scenarios or competitive disruption.

Impact on Strategy and Safety

These changes tighten Formula 1’s operational framework. Pitlane starters can no longer game formation laps for tactical edges, like waiting out wet conditions for a tyre advantage.

Meanwhile, the damaged car rule curbs risky returns, as seen with Perez, where debris endangered others to avoid a safety car.

Teams now face stricter oversight, with Marques’ discretion ensuring rapid responses to hazardous situations.

The FIA’s latest move prioritizes clarity and safety over prolonged warnings while the rules promise a fairer, safer grid as the season unfolds.

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