FIA reduces driver penalties for 2017

40

Formula 1's governing body will relax its judgment a bit this season with regard to drivers colliding with each other, handing out a penalty only if blame is deemed clear.

The FIA published its final sporting regulations this week, and following widespread criticism last season that too many penalties were given for on-track incidents, it has tweaked the rules.

Drivers will now only face punishment for incidents if they are "wholly' to blame for a collision or contact.

The FIA is hoping the measure will alleviate drivers' fear of punishment which previously often discouraged them from attempting a pass on a rival.

In the event that race director Charlie Whiting should report an incident, stewards will now have the ability to decide independently "whether or not to proceed with an investigation".

FIA keeps canopy safety concept in the cards

A revised article 38.2 a) states: "It shall be at the discretion of the stewards to decide if any driver involved in an incident should be penalised.

"Unless it is clear to the stewards that a driver was wholly or predominantly to blame for an incident no penalty will be imposed."

Furthermore, grid penalties will be applied to drivers sanctioned during a race by the stewards but unable to take the penalty because of a retirement.

Five second and ten second penalties, as well as drive-through and stop-and go punishments shall therefore be commuted into grid penalties at the following race.

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.