Six new F1 rules you need to know about for 2025

Summary

The 2025 Formula 1 season brings a series of key rule changes aimed at enhancing competition and driver safety. The fastest lap point is removed after failing to create lasting excitement. Car weight regulations are adjusted, with a rise in the minimum driver weight to 82 kg. A new driver cooling system will be implemented for races in high temperatures. Aerodynamic rules are tightened, restricting flexible wings and ensuring stricter tests on front wing stiffness. Testing with older cars is limited, and grid formation rules are adjusted for exceptional circumstances, with a final grid being drawn up 1 hour before the race.

Takeaways

• 😀 Formula 1 has removed the fastest lap bonus point, following a disappointing result where it did not add much intrigue to the races.
• 😀 The minimum car weight will be raised to 800kg in 2025, and the minimum driver weight will increase to 82kg to address the disadvantage faced by heavier drivers.
• 😀 A new cooling system will be implemented for races in hot conditions (above 30.5°C), with a special vest to keep drivers cool. The weight of the car will increase by 5kg when this system is used.
• 😀 The FIA is tightening regulations on flexible wings, limiting rear wing adjustments and increasing the stiffness of front wings to prevent teams from exploiting flexibility for aerodynamic gains.
• 😀 Teams will now be limited to 20 days of testing older cars (between 2 and 4 years old) in the 2025 season, with strict mileage caps for race drivers and young driver running.
• 😀 The number of practice sessions for rookie drivers will be increased to 4 in 2025, up from the previous 2, helping them gain more experience throughout the season.
• 😀 The grid formation process will now be clearer in cases where qualifying cannot take place, with the grid decided based on the driver’s Championship standings in such exceptional circumstances.
• 😀 The final grid for a race will be set 1 hour before the race, instead of 2 hours, with cars withdrawn up to 75 minutes before the start no longer being included in the grid.
• 😀 McLaren's 'mini DRS' concept raised concerns over flexible rear wings, leading to rule changes that make rear wing movement illegal beyond specified limits for 2025.
• 😀 The FIA will also implement tighter regulations on front wing flexing, with specific tests to ensure that teams don't exploit wing deflection for aerodynamic advantage.

Q & A

Why has Formula 1 decided to eliminate the point for the fastest lap in 2025?

The fastest lap point was removed because it often didn't affect race outcomes as intended. Despite some exciting moments, it became predictable that drivers with a comfortable lead could grab the extra point, diminishing its intrigue.

What triggered the change to remove the fastest lap point in 2025?

The catalyst was Daniel Ricciardo's fastest lap in the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, which some believed was used strategically to disrupt the championship battle between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

How does the new minimum driver weight allowance in 2025 affect heavier drivers?

In 2025, the minimum driver weight allowance is increased from 80 kg to 82 kg, which benefits heavier drivers by leveling the playing field. This change ensures that heavier drivers no longer face a disadvantage due to the combined car and driver weight limit.

What new cooling system will drivers need to use in extreme heat conditions in 2025?

Drivers will be required to wear battery-powered cooling vests in conditions exceeding 30.5°C. These vests are designed to circulate cooling liquid around the driver's body, helping maintain safe body temperatures during races in hot climates.

Why did the FIA introduce the driver cooling system in 2025?

The cooling system was introduced after drivers faced extreme heat during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. The system aims to improve driver safety and comfort, especially in hot conditions where maintaining a safe body temperature is critical.

How do the new aerodynamic regulations in 2025 address flexible rear and front wings?

The new regulations limit the flexibility of rear and front wings to prevent teams from exploiting flexible aero designs to reduce drag and gain an unfair advantage. For example, the rear wing elements must transition between open and closed states in less than 400 milliseconds.

What change has been made to the testing of older Formula 1 cars in 2025?

Formula 1 teams are now limited to a maximum of 20 days of testing with cars that are between 2 and 4 years old. Additionally, race drivers are restricted to 1,000 km of testing with these older cars.

How has the FIA updated the rules regarding grid formation in case qualifying is canceled in 2025?

In cases where qualifying cannot take place, the grid will now be based on the current drivers' championship standings rather than the most recent practice session. This update prevents confusion, particularly during Sprint weekends.

What is the new requirement for rookie driver participation in practice sessions in 2025?

In 2025, teams must field a rookie driver, defined as someone who has competed in fewer than two Grand Prix races, in four practice sessions throughout the season. This is an increase from the previous requirement of two sessions.

What is the significance of the 2025 rule change regarding the final grid formation before the race?

The new rule mandates that the final grid will be drawn up one hour before the race instead of two hours. This change addresses issues such as the case with Alex Albon at the 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix, where his grid position was unclear after his car was withdrawn late.