5 Formula 1 rules you don’t often hear about

Formula 1 is a sport where every detail matters, from the slightest mechanical adjustment to the strict application of rules during the race. For fans who follow motorsport, these regulations are not always obvious, as they are often scarcely mentioned. But behind every Grand Prix, there is a set of precise procedures to be followed, designed to ensure safety, but also fairness within the paddock. The vast majority of rules often concern the sporting regulations. Among them, some relate to the race and others to much more specific aspects. Let’s explore five rules that you may not know and that illustrate the precision brought by the FIA.

1. The number of cars during a Grand Prix

When we think of Formula 1, we immediately imagine the 20 drivers and their 10 teams competing for the world championship title. However, this layout has not always been the same. In reality, there is a strict regulation on the number of participants in each Grand Prix. The FIA, the organization that governs F1, imposes a minimum of 12 cars for the race to take place. If this number is not met, the FIA reserves the right to cancel the Grand Prix. Even though the regulation was not in place at the time, it has already happened that the majority of cars did not take part in the race. This was the case at the United States Grand Prix in 2005, where only 6 cars started the race.

Beyond a minimum limit, there is also a maximum limit. In total, no more than 26 cars can take part in a Formula 1 race. Several decades ago, before the 2000s, there were up to 35 cars starting a race.

2. The starting order for penalized drivers

The starting grid order of a Grand Prix can sometimes be a bit complex, especially when several drivers are penalized. The most common way to end up at the bottom of the grid is by replacing components on the car. This has already happened in the past, and more recently for four drivers in 2024. While we had already mentioned the 50 and 60 place penalties for Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda, there is still a question to be asked: what happens when two or more drivers receive similar penalties?

If it is officially not possible to start the race in the same position, the FIA has still planned for it. Contrary to what one might think, it is not the date or severity of the penalties that determine the starting order, but rather the results of the qualifications. An example occurred during the 2022 Canadian Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc and Yuki Tsunoda both received penalties that placed them at the back of the pack. Since Charles Leclerc had qualified higher than Yuki Tsunoda, it was the Monegasque driver who took the 19th place on the grid, leaving the Japanese driver in last position.

3. The weight of the helmets

The regulation on the weight of cars and drivers is a topic often debated in Formula 1, especially after George Russell’s disqualification in Belgium. Yet, even though it seems logical, few people know that the drivers’ helmets are also subject to rules regarding their weight. According to the FIA International Sporting Regulations, a full-face helmet like those used in F1 must not exceed 1900 g, or 1.9 kg. The FIA can check the weight of the helmets at any time during a race weekend and ensure compliance with the rules. More than just a weight rule, this limit is actually designed for the safety of the drivers.

4. The pilots’ underwear

Motor racing is particularly dangerous and can lead to numerous accidents on the track. With a constant risk, there are different ways to get injured, especially when fire is involved. This is why the FIA imposes strict rules not only on drivers’ suits, but also on their underwear. It is reminiscent of Sebastian Vettel’s appearance in Miami in 2022 to protest against these rules.

Currently, undergarments must be made from fireproof materials, specially designed to withstand high temperatures in case of fire. Even though they are actually very different from traditional undergarments, they are mainly there to ensure the safety of the pilots. Traditional undergarments are prohibited because no flammable fabric can be in contact with the skin. If a driver wishes to wear their own undergarment, they must obtain authorization and prove that the fabric is fire-resistant.

5. The rules on the podium

The podium is one of the most memorable moments of each Grand Prix in the world of motor racing. It is where the top three drivers have the opportunity to publicly celebrate their success. However, few people know that this place is governed by precise rules that make this moment a significant organization. Every element, from barriers to flags, must be placed with precision to the nearest millimeter according to the specific guidelines of the FIA. The arrangement of trophies and bottles is slightly more flexible, but aspects such as the distance between the barriers and the flags are controlled.

It is also possible that you may have noticed a similar appearance on all podiums around the world. This choice is not only aesthetic, but well-controlled by the FIA. The choice of color for the carpets on the podium and the steps is strictly limited to green or dark blue.

In Formula 1, every detail matters. And these little-known rules show how much the sport is governed by regulations that go far beyond what can be seen on television. From the starting grid to the celebrations on the podium, every aspect of the sport is carefully controlled by the FIA, which largely explains why the regulations are regularly updated.