In a communication with Formula 3 drivers ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, to remind them of the basic rules regarding their on-track driving, the FIA released a document sent to F1 drivers and teams earlier in the year. This one, titled “Guidance on Pilotage Standards”was handed out ahead of the inaugural Bahrain GP in response to a request from the drivers themselves to better understand what factors are considered by marshals when judging incidents.
This came following a 2021 season studded with controversy on the subject, which also led, due to its controversial finale, to a series of clarifications and reforms linked to the interventions of the race management and the work of the marshals.
Regarding the normative scope, the FIA indicates: “For the avoidance of doubt, these are merely guidelines to assist the Stewards in their decision-making and are not binding. All Stewards’ decisions will be taken in accordance with the FIA International Sporting Code, read in conjunction with all the relevant regulations applicable to Formula 1.”
The document outlines what drivers are and are not allowed to do when it comes to overtaking a rival.
To overtake on the inside of a bend
“For a car being overtaken to be required to leave sufficient room for an overtaking car, a significant part of the latter must be next to the car being overtaken and the maneuver overtaking must be carried out in a safe and controlled manner, while allowing the car to remain clearly within the limits of the track.
“In considering what is a ‘significant part’ for overtaking on the inside of a bend, among the various factors which will be considered by the marshals in the exercise of their discretion, they will check whether the front tires of the overtaking car are next to the other car no later than the apex of the corner.”
To overtake on the outside of a bend
Lance Stroll and Valtteri Bottas at the 2022 Australian GP
“For a car being overtaken to be required to leave sufficient room for an overtaking car, a significant part of the latter must be next to the car being overtaken and the maneuver overtaking must be carried out in a safe and controlled manner, while allowing the car to remain clearly within the limits of the track.
“In considering what is a ‘significant part’, for overtaking on the outside of a bend, among the various factors which will be considered by the marshals in the exercise of their discretion, they will check if the overtaking car is in front of the other car from the apex of the corner. The car being overtaken must be able to take the corner while remaining within the limits of the track.
Regarding chicanes and S-bends
“The above guidelines apply equally for every turn.”
As we have already reported, the guidelines also confirm that the FIA now imposes strict enforcement of track limits, rules on interference and a driver’s responsibility for “to make clear” any advantage gained by leaving the track.
