The FIA has changed the rules for starting from the pit lane

      In 2025, Formula 1 will introduce a new regulation for drivers starting from the pit lane.

      If earlier the driver, who for one reason or another was forced to start the race from the pit lane, did not participate in the formation lap before the start, then from the new season this will change, and all drivers will participate in the formation lap.

      "When the green lights at the starting traffic light come on, all cars on the grid that can do this must begin a formation lap behind the driver starting from pole position," the updated regulations say. – When leaving the starting grid, all drivers must observe the speed limit in the pit lane until they pass the pole position.

      After all cars on the track have passed the pit lane exit on the formation lap, the pit lane exit will be open, and all cars starting from the pit lane that can do so must leave the pit lane and join the formation lap.

      When such cars are allowed to leave the pit lane, they must do so in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Article 43.3, unless the other car is unreasonably delayed in leaving. After all such cars leave the pit lane, the exit from the pit lane will be closed. All such cars must enter the pit lane at the end of the formation lap."

      Another change in the regulations is related to the expansion of the powers of the FIA race director in situations where there is a damaged car on the track. If earlier the race management considered that the car was in unsafe condition, then they instructed the driver to return to the pits to repair the damage.

      Since 2025, the powers of the FIA Race Director have been expanded. If he considers that the car is badly damaged and its presence on the track is dangerous, he can instruct the rider to stop at the first safe place outside the track. Thus, in some situations, the drivers will no longer have the opportunity to return to the pit lane, repair the damage and continue the fight.

      "At the sole discretion of the race director, if he considers that the car has significant and obvious damage to a structural component or a significant malfunction or defect, the rider may be ordered to leave the track as soon as it becomes safe to do so," the updated paragraph of the regulations says.