Penalties for those causing red flags: FIA to experiment in F2 and F3 in 2024. The FIA ​​is thinking about 'importing' an American rule to Formula 1.

Formula 2: Technical innovations in 2024

2024 will be a year of significant changes in Formula 2, especially concerning the introduction of new single-seaters. For the first time in six Formula One seasons, drivers will no longer compete behind the wheel of the 2018 Dallara F2, instead harnessing the power of a car powered by a 3.4-liter Mecachrome turbo engine. Alongside new aerodynamic features, this setup will evoke the profile of a genuine Formula 1 car, particularly in terms of ground effect. However, this won’t be the only turning point.

The new rule

To find another one, in this case applicable to Formula 3 as well, we must analyze the sporting regulations, focusing particularly on the latest draft of Article 33.5. Starting from the next championship, a rule valid for qualifying will be introduced, punishing the driver responsible for displaying the red flag, who will no longer be allowed to continue the ongoing session. But that’s not all: “The driver who, in the opinion of the Sporting Commissioners, is the sole cause of the display of the red flag during the qualifying practice, will not be authorized to continue taking part in the session, and his fastest lap during the session may be canceled.”

The example of IndyCar

The term ‘may’ emphasizes that the decision of the Commissioners will not be automatic but will depend on individual circumstances evaluated by the Stewards. In this specific aspect, the rule is more lenient compared to the one in force in the United States, namely in IndyCar, where the driver responsible for the red flag has his two fastest laps canceled, in addition to being unable to resume the session regularly.

Formula 1 is watching

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However, this rule does not yet exist in Formula 1. On several occasions, there had been discussions about the possibility of adding such a rule to the sporting regulations, especially after some cases that sparked controversies over the premature interruption of the session following an incident. Drivers engaged at that moment in setting their best time had to lift off for this reason. However, the junior categories could be an interesting reference point for Formula 1, which will examine the effects of this rule to potentially introduce it in the future if successful.