In 2025, F1 qualifying rules change: more clarity in case of rain and red flags. An important change in the qualifying regulations has been made official.

In 2025, the F1 qualifying regulations will change. The FIA is ready to introduce significant updates, affecting both the championship standings—with the removal of the additional point—and some technical aspects. The goal is to clarify certain grey areas that drew the attention of the stewards over the past season. Let’s see how the race weekend will change.

As often happens, the Circus remains particularly conservative regarding its sporting regulations. New features struggle to make their way into a championship bound by sometimes oppressive traditionalism. A practical example is the issue of the additional point for the fastest lap and, more generally, the allocation of points after Grands Prix.

In 2025, the bonus awarded to the driver who completes the fastest lap of the race will be removed. No big loss, considering it was mostly claimed by drivers who were far from the top positions and therefore able to make an additional pit stop a few kilometers before the finish line. However, there is some regret for a missed opportunity: allowing lower-ranked teams to score a few points.

F1 qualifying changes: more clarity on bad weather and red flags starting in 2025
One undoubtedly welcome change from 2025 is the management of qualifying. Referring directly to the official Formula 1 website, it states: “Last year’s Brazilian GP highlighted the possibility that qualifying may not take place due to weather conditions. From 2025 [in such cases], the starting grid for the race will be determined based on the Drivers’ Championship standings.”

“If it is not possible to use the Drivers’ Championship standings (such as in the first race of the season), the starting order will be decided at the discretion of the race stewards.”

“It has also been clarified what happens if multiple drivers fail to set a time in Q2 or Q3 (or in SQ2 or SQ3). While they will continue to be ordered based on whether they started a flying lap, ahead of those who only exited the pits to attempt one, if there are drivers who do not set a lap time and cannot be ranked by these parameters, the order from the previous session will be used.”

What changes in the F1 regulations for the 2025 season?
In addition to the aforementioned changes to qualifying rules and the removal of the additional point, 2025 will also see other significant updates. Firstly, in cases where temperatures exceed 31°C during a Sprint Race or a Grand Prix, teams will be required to install a cooling system in the cars, with corresponding changes to the minimum weight of the vehicle (2kg more in practice, 5kg more in the race).

The number of TPC (Testing of Previous Car) kilometers allowed for official drivers will be reduced, while the track time for young drivers during race weekends will be doubled. The FIA will impose stricter regulations regarding the flexibility of the front and rear wings. Finally, during post-season testing, teams will also take to the track with a mule car adapted to the 2026 regulations.

Source: f1ingenerale