The FIA announced two changes to the F1 regulations for 2025

The FIA announced changes in the regulations for 2025. These adjustments were unveiled after the latest meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Rwanda, just before the season-ending awards ceremony this Friday.

A new regulation on the rear wing will come into effect next season to prevent teams from replicating the mini DRS strategy used by McLaren in 2024, which has sparked strong reactions among its competitors.

Several rival teams had raised questions about the legality of McLaren’s rear wing, which seemed to allow for higher top speeds. This debate intensified after McLaren’s victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in September.

During the race weekend in Baku, the wing was observed flexing at high speed on television footage. Although it passed all the deformation tests by the FIA, McLaren made changes to its design.

A change in the regulation

One of the new rules for 2025 will now require that the DRS flag adheres to the same restrictions on bodywork deformation when the system is not activated.

The updated regulation states: « Except for the bodywork elements adjustable by the driver when deployed, all aerodynamic components or bodywork elements influencing the aerodynamic performance of the car must be securely fastened and immobile in relation to their reference frame defined in article 3.3. »

Furthermore, it will be required that the space between the rear wing profiles measure between 9.4 mm and 13 mm when the DRS is not deployed. This measurement will be checked using a spherical gauge.

New rules for risks related to heat

The FIA has also introduced regulations related to heat risks when temperatures exceed 30.5°C. According to this rule, teams will need to incorporate new cooling systems for the drivers. Additionally, the minimum weight of the cars will be increased by 5 kg to compensate for the addition of this equipment.

This decision follows last year’s Qatar Grand Prix, where the drivers complained about unbearable conditions. Several of them needed medical attention for dehydration or heatstroke, and Esteban Ocon revealed that he had vomited in his helmet due to the extreme temperatures and humidity.

The new regulation states: « If the official meteorological service forecasts a heat index above 30.5°C at any point during the sprint race or the Grand Prix, or at the discretion of the race director, a heat risk may be declared 24 hours before the scheduled start of the competition. »

Once the heat risk is declared, it will remain in effect for the entire duration of the event. Teams will be informed via the official messaging system. They will then need to: install cooling systems for the drivers, as indicated in Article 14.6 of the Technical Regulations, and apply the weight increase related to the heat risk, in accordance with Articles 4.1 and 4.7 of the Technical Regulations.

These modifications aim to improve both driver safety and fairness in racing.