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The FIA has revealed that it has taken learnings from football and rugby to help with Formula 1 race direction. This comes as part of the first phase of the governing body's new Race Direction Development Programme (RDDP), which aims to 'streamline the Race Direction operation at F1 races'. After the Italian Grand Prix, the RDDP debriefed with officials using race footage and data to identify key areas for improvement in F1 race operations. The FIA has stated that it has "taken learnings" of refereeing procedures used by other international Sports governing bodies in Football and rugby , including the use of the Video Assisted Referee (VAR) system. Members of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) who provide the match officials to the Premier League, English Football League and FA Women’s Super League, will also be present at this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. ...

Formula 1 and the FIA will be considering radical wet weather solutions as part of a study to improve safety. With the latest generation of cars, drivers have noted that spray from tyres and the aerodynamics – which rely heavily on downforce generated from the floor – have reduced visibility in extremely wet conditions. This can be a key factor in determining whether it is safe enough to start a race or suspend sessions. As part of the study, the FIA says there could be a standard bodywork kit that is fitted to cars during "extreme wet" conditions, which stops the water spray from affecting visibility. FIA to study five key areas to aid wet weather safety The FIA stated that it intends to study five key areas: Definition of a standard bodywork kit, aiming to suppress the tyre spray from running in wet conditions by use of minimal bodywork over the wheels (wheel arches)...

The FIA has given updates on several areas of discussion raised at the final F1 Commission meeting of 2022. As the last race weekend of the year gets underway at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem opened the meeting on Friday 18 November and congratulated F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and all of the competitors on the success of the season. Some key talking points were then addressed by the group – comprising teams, F1 and the FIA – during the meeting . One of the developments was in regards to wet weather running following feedback from the drivers that visibility has been reduced with the latest generation of cars. Other points raised included a trial of DRS usage changes in 2023, possible changes to parc ferme processes and the tyre blanket strategy for 2023-2025 following the initial plan to ban them for 2024. All regulatory changes are subject to approval by the World Motor Sport Council. ...

Max Verstappen has become the first driver to receive a new FIA award following his victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As well as receiving the traditional trophy, the winner of each F1 race will now be given a medal. Drivers' race-winning trophies are often housed in the teams' trophy cabinets, while the driver gets the chance to take home a replica. From now on, to ensure that driver s do not go home empty-handed after a victory, they will receive a medal to commemorate their achievement. As such, Verstappen was the first to be given the prize for his win at the Yas Marina Circuit. The race number of the Grand Prix in question will appear on the medal, with Verstappen's prize engraved with the number #1079. Source: https://thefoxposts.com/verstappen-first-dr...

It has been confirmed that Shaila-Ann Rao will depart her role at the FIA after six months in the position. Rao was appointed Interim Secretary General for Sport following the exit of Pet er Bayer in June, having previously been recruited as Director in the Office of the President. She also previously held the role of Legal Director at the FIA from mid-2016 to the end of 2018. Additionally, Rao was formerly the legal director of the Mercedes F1 Team and special advisor to Toto Wolff. During her time in the role, Rao was said to have been a key figure in the introduction of a contentious technical directive to address porpoising. She was also embroiled in the budget cap controversy, with Rao having made the call to Christian Horner to inform him that Red Bull had exceeded the cost cap in 2021 following their 2022 championship victory. © Dieter R...

Mohammed ben Sulayem has revealed the state of the FIA's relationship with Formula 1, amid speculation over growing tension between the two parties. F1 's governing body has come under scrutiny throughout the 2022 season over its handling of political issues, such as the Red Bull cost cap saga and Sprint races. Speaking to media, and when asked by TheFOXposts.Com , President Ben Sulayem clarified that the relationship between the FIA and Formula One Management (FOM) is on good terms and that he speaks to F1 Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali nearly every day. "I speak to Stefano every two days and if I don't, he calls me," Ben Sulayem explained. "This is the way, even before any meeting or decisions - it's like a marriage that is going to last. "I am in a very good professional and personal relationship with FOM." Viewed by others: ...

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes some of Red Bull's Formula 1 rivals wanted the team " hanged " as further punishment for breach ing the cost cap. In the auditing process for the 2021 season, it was revealed that Red Bull were the only team to exceed the $145 million limit imposed, committing a so-called 'minor' breach . It was revealed that the team were $1.8 million over the cap, but a tax credit situation with United Kingdom authorities meant the team did not receive an expected rebate for engineering and technology research. This accounted for about $1.4 million of the overspend, with the FIA looking favourably on this and reducing the overspend to about $400k, or 0.37% of the available spend. As punishment, Red Bull were handed a $7 million fine and docked some of their development allowance for 2023, including wind tunnel and CFD time. Despite the penalties handed out, Ben Sulayem feels that even more draconian penalties were bei...

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has defend ed Shaila-Ann Rao – the former Mercedes Formula 1 lawyer – after she left her position at the governing body. Rao left her post as Interim Secretary General earlier this week after the end of the season, having been appointed earlier in 2022. Her appointment was controversial following time spent as assistant to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, with Red Bull's Christian Horner questioning how Mercedes became aware of technical changes and the cost cap breach before they were publicly released. However, Ben Sulayem has strongly defend ed Rao after her departure. Viewed by others: Interview Max Verstappen Verstappen exclusive: It's like a marriage with race engineer Lambiase ...

The FIA are looking into introducing a new penalty system for power unit component allocation offences, in order to replace the existing grid penalty system, TheFOXposts.Com understands. A long-standing issue for fans has been the current penalty system used to punish a driver for using too many power unit components in a season. As a way of reducing costs, teams are given a set allocation of power unit components which can be used over the course of the season. Drivers are handed grid penalties for every additional component they use above this allocation. However, if a team has an early indication that they are likely to exceed the component limits, then they will often take tactical penalties at circuits which are more suited to overtaking, such as Spa-Francorchamps or Monza, to allow for an easier recovery from a lower grid position. With some Grands Prix seeing several drivers taking the tactical penalties, this has often led to F1 starting grids looking completely...

Christian Horner has joked about the "incredible" cost of a bill received by Red Bull from the FIA thanks to the amount of points they scored in 2022. With Max Verstappen and the team having claimed both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships, the awards were handed out at the annual FIA Prize Giving Ceremony in Bologna on 9 December. Verstappen, Sergio Perez and Horner were all on hand to receive the trophies, and Horner took the opportunity to praise his drivers for what they had achieved during their dominant campaign. "It's very, very special," Horner told media, including TheFOXposts.Com , at the ceremony. "We broke all our own records, and these two guys have been truly amazing this year, particularly Max has had an outstanding season. "Behind the scenes, [a lot of effort went into preparing for] the biggest regulation changes in 40 years, and the whole team in Milton Keynes rose to that challenge magnificently." ...

Christian Horner was presented with Red Bull's Constructors' Championship trophy by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem at the governing body's annual Prize Giving Ceremony, where the two shared an exchange on stage. Horner joined drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez at the event in Bologna following the team's success in 2022, with Verstappen picking up the World Championship prize while Perez received his award for third place in the championship. The campaign marked the first time that a team other than Mercedes has won the Constructors' prize since 2013, and Horner received the trophy from Ben Sulayem. When handing over the award, Ben Sulayem said: "Christian, this cup is nothing to do with the cost cap, okay? This is from the FIA , so we're not going to deduct it from your cost cap. Okay?" Horner responded: "That's very generous, thank you." Several media personnel, including TheFOXposts.Com , witnessed during the co...

One of the biggest stories of the 2022 Formula 1 season actually dates back to the year prior, when for the first time a cost cap was introduced. The results of the auditing from the FIA for the 2021 accounts revealed that three teams committed breaches of the cost cap, with Red Bull committing the biggest offence by overspending on the $145 million budget. As a result, the team was punished with a $7 million fine and must forfeit 10% of its aerodynamic development allowance. F1 Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Domenicali, spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about the saga and the positive step it has made towards bringing in financial stability. "Let's take a step back first. The introduction of the budget cap is a positive step. We needed more financial stability in the sport. We are talking about a reality where before only sporting and technical regulations existed," he said. “The introduction of the financial variable is not without fits and starts. That i...

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem hopes that women's racing series will act as a short-term solution to bridge the gap to greater equality. W Series entered its third season in 2022, though the category was forced to curtail the campaign early in order to focus on securing investment for 2023 following financial issues. Meanwhile, Formula 1 announced the formation of the F1 Academy series in November. Beginning next year, the goal of the category is to develop young female drivers in order to prepare them for competing in higher levels of motorsport. With a focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion having formed part of his manifesto, Ben Sulayem would like to see all-female categories pave the way for women to climb the ranks. Ben Sulayem voices hopes for equality "The main objective to me is to make it sustainable," Ben Sulayem told media, including TheFOXposts.Com , ...

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has warned that ignoring social media abuse within F1 could cause damage "beyond repair". There have been incidences during the 2022 season of abuse aimed at different drivers, individuals and teams across the paddock, as well as stewards. One of these cases involved abuse being directed at FIA steward Silvia Bellot in the aftermath of Fernando Alonso receiving a 30-second time penalty after the United States Grand Prix, a punishment that was later withdrawn following an appeal from Alpine. Alonso spoke out to condemn the abuse aimed at Bellot, calling it "hateful behaviour". Ben Sulayem has reiterated that he is determined to fight any incidences like this. Ben Sulayem concerned by 'toxic' social media abuse Speaking at the FIA and FIM Women in Motorsports Conference, the President voiced his concerns of "toxic" ...

Formula 1 has provided a limited response to the announcement that Andretti and General Motors will provide an Expression of Interest in a place on the 2026 grid. Andretti Autosport and General Motors officially confirmed their interest in joining the F1 grid in 2026, which will depend on the necessary approval processes. The all-American effort would potentially see the General Motors brand Cadillac enter the sport and add to a grid that is permitted to increase to 13 teams. Following the reiterated desire to join the sport, Formula 1 issued a response to acknowledge the interest from numerous parties, but emphasised their wish for the championship to "remain credible" and reminded that the decision will require agreement from both F1 and the FIA . Their statement read: "There is great interest in the F1 project at this time with a number of conversations continuing that are not as visible as others. "We all want to ensure the championship remain...