Autosport can reveal that one of the points to be discussed at next week’s meeting of the Formula 1 Commission is whether or not the way the early departure regulations are currently worded is fit for purpose.
Currently, an early start is defined entirely based on whether or not movement is detected by the FIA-provided transponders before the start signal is given.
However, there have been several occasions where cars have moved before the red lights went out, but were not penalized because the sensors did not detect it.
The most recent famous example, that of Lando Norris at this year’s Saudi Grand Prix, is said to have sparked debate over whether or not the regulations should be updated.
In Jeddah, while Norris was visibly seen to have moved forward and then stopped before the lights changed, the FIA stewards ruled that he had complied with the rules because the sensor had not been triggered.
A statement released at the time said: “The commissioners reviewed the positioning and sorting system data as well as the video and determined that the video appeared to show that car 4 [Norris] moved before the starting signal is given.
“However, the FIA approved and supplied transponder installed on the car did not indicate an accelerated start.
Sir Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W15, leads Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin AMR24, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20 and the rest of the field at the start of the Sprint
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
“Article 48.1 a) of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations clearly states that the judgment as to whether or not there was an early departure must be made based on the transponder, which did not show an early departure. In these circumstances, we have not taken any further action.”
Subsequent discussions between team bosses and the FIA in recent weeks, including at this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, have given rise to the idea that there may be reason to change the rules in the future.
So, beyond transponders remaining in place to detect illegal movements, accelerated starts could also be considered to have occurred if F1 race control has video evidence clearly showing the car moving even if it is not was not picked up by the sensors.
While it is unclear how much support there is for a change, it is understood that if the F1 Commission reaches a qualified majority – which requires the support of eight teams beyond the FIA and the FOM – then the rule change could come into effect sooner rather than later. like the Miami Grand Prix.
Sources suggest, however, that not all outfits are supportive, with some expressing concern that fast starts are becoming a subjective issue based on individuals’ opinions.
Instead, they suggest that efforts should be more focused on improving the sensitivity and accuracy of sensors to ensure they are better able to detect all movements.
The problem of drivers appearing to start early when the sensors are not triggered has arisen several times in recent years.
Valtteri Bottas was already allowed an early start at the 2020 Hungarian Grand Prix, while a year earlier, then-Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel also escaped punishment in Japan.
Autosport can reveal that one of the points to be discussed at next week’s meeting of the Formula 1 Commission is whether or not the way the early departure regulations are currently worded is fit for purpose.
Currently, an early start is defined entirely based on whether or not movement is detected by the FIA-provided transponders before the start signal is given.
However, there have been several occasions where cars have moved before the red lights went out, but were not penalized because the sensors did not detect it.
The most recent famous example, that of Lando Norris at this year’s Saudi Grand Prix, is said to have sparked debate over whether or not the regulations should be updated.
In Jeddah, while Norris was visibly seen to have moved forward and then stopped before the lights changed, the FIA stewards ruled that he had complied with the rules because the sensor had not been triggered.
A statement released at the time said: “The commissioners reviewed the positioning and sorting system data as well as the video and determined that the video appeared to show that car 4 [Norris] moved before the starting signal is given.
“However, the FIA approved and supplied transponder installed on the car did not indicate an accelerated start.
Sir Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W15, leads Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin AMR24, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20 and the rest of the field at the start of the Sprint
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
“Article 48.1 a) of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations clearly states that the judgment as to whether or not there was an early departure must be made based on the transponder, which did not show an early departure. In these circumstances, we have not taken any further action.”
Subsequent discussions between team bosses and the FIA in recent weeks, including at this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, have given rise to the idea that there may be reason to change the rules in the future.
So, beyond transponders remaining in place to detect illegal movements, accelerated starts could also be considered to have occurred if F1 race control has video evidence clearly showing the car moving even if it is not was not picked up by the sensors.
While it is unclear how much support there is for a change, it is understood that if the F1 Commission reaches a qualified majority – which requires the support of eight teams beyond the FIA and the FOM – then the rule change could come into effect sooner rather than later. like the Miami Grand Prix.
Sources suggest, however, that not all outfits are supportive, with some expressing concern that fast starts are becoming a subjective issue based on individuals’ opinions.
Instead, they suggest that efforts should be more focused on improving the sensitivity and accuracy of sensors to ensure they are better able to detect all movements.
The problem of drivers appearing to start early when the sensors are not triggered has arisen several times in recent years.
Valtteri Bottas was already allowed an early start at the 2020 Hungarian Grand Prix, while a year earlier, then-Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel also escaped punishment in Japan.