FIA acknowledges that new driving guidelines have not been disclosed.
"Regrettably, it was determined not to make them public."
"New directives" regarding penalties for drivers have been introduced, as confirmed by the FIA, yet even those within the organization lack clarity about them. This revelation comes from the German outlet Audi Bild, following Max Verstappen's outrage over the 5-second penalty that likely cost him victory in Jeddah during the last race.
After Verstappen's involvement in similar situations in the previous season, it has been reported that the governing body made a decision to adjust how penalties would be applied. Some believe that the race winner and new championship leader, Oscar Piastri, should have faced punishment for forcing Verstappen off the track. In contrast, it was Verstappen, the Red Bull driver, who received the penalty for cutting the corner and seizing the lead in the race.
It is well understood that the FIA and the drivers reached an agreement on new penalty guidelines towards the end of the last season. However, the specific details of these guidelines were never disclosed. An FIA representative acknowledged, "Yes, there are new guidelines. But regrettably, it was determined not to release them."
It is believed that the new guidelines indicate that a driver on the inside of a corner has the right to claim the corner if the cars are side-by-side. Nevertheless, even Red Bull team principal Christian Horner appeared perplexed by the guidelines when he presented printed images of Verstappen and Piastri racing side-by-side to the media after the race.
A source from Red Bull informed Auto Bild: "It seems there are new rules, but no one truly understands them, and they are open to interpretation." This situation adds to the ongoing controversies surrounding FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has faced increasing scrutiny. "I have rarely encountered a president who has stirred up so much controversy," commented former F1 driver Timo Glock to Sky Deutschland. "It’s not beneficial for the sport. He’s not helping his own cause at this time."
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