F1 – FIA meets drivers to review overtaking guidelines: what changes now and what stays the same. The FIA held a meeting with Formula 1 drivers to review driving-standards guidelines.

F1 | The FIA discusses guidelines with drivers: the decision made for the final two races of 2025 and for the future

The FIA has organized a meeting with Formula 1 drivers to discuss the guidelines on overtaking. Throughout this season, several controversial episodes have sparked debate over penalties and sanctions handed out by the stewards. For this reason, the FIA decided to hold a dedicated meeting with the drivers to analyse the Driving Standards Guidelines, which were first introduced in 2022.

Yesterday in Qatar, the FIA hosted its third annual review meeting with the Presidents of the Formula 1 Sporting Stewards and the drivers. This meeting is essential for gathering feedback on the Federation’s work. During Thursday’s press conferences, several drivers raised the topic of driving standards, highlighting the need for some adjustments.

The updates on the guidelines

As reiterated by the stewards, the DSG are guidelines, not regulations. They outline how the rules are interpreted in practice, with the aim of ensuring equal conditions and consistent decision-making. During the meeting, several specific incidents that generated the most discussion this season were analysed, including:

• Piastri–Antonelli (Interlagos): overtaking on the inside.
• Sainz–Bearman (Monza): overtaking on the outside.
• Sainz–Lawson (Zandvoort): application of the DSG changes in long-radius corners.
• Norris–Leclerc (Austin): track limits and what should or should not be considered a strike.
• Verstappen–Leclerc (Mexico City): leaving the track and gaining an advantage in terms of duration.

The drivers expressed their desire to place greater emphasis on yellow flags and to pay more attention to blue flags. Another point concerns post-race investigations, which are required when the stewards do not have all elements available to make a decision in real time. Additionally, the drivers requested that the DSG should not attempt to cover every possible on-track situation and that each panel must include at least one highly experienced steward.

The FIA underlined the importance of these open discussions. Working together with the GPDA, the points raised will help refine the guidelines in the future. For now, regarding the final races of the current season, the Federation confirmed that there will be no changes in this area.