Recently, the FIA’s systems and rules that guide F1 operations have been under heightened review.
These analyses include doubts about possible new team entries, concern over aspects of the 2026 regulations in the pipeline, and discourse on future engine rules related to the shift towards entirely sustainable fuels.
Additionally, Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO, recently expressed his belief that any violations of the cost cap should be met with sporting sanctions instead of monetary fines.
“I would prefer a sporting penalty in the event of a breach. We’ve clearly expressed this,” Domenicali conveyed to F1 Flow.com.
“Three types of regulations must be adhered to: sporting, technical, and financial. Any violation should be addressed with sporting actions. Other paths shouldn’t be taken.”
However, the FIA, which is not allowed to interfere in F1’s business matters under anti-cartel laws, remains the governing authority on regulatory issues.
Thus, following these recent suggestions for changes, the FIA made a public announcement on Thursday stating that it would adhere to established procedures for potential future modifications, whether they concern rules or sanctions.
The declaration read, “The FIA notes that discussions regarding changes to the current and future Formula 1 regulations have recently appeared in the media. While the FIA welcomes stakeholder opinions, the regulatory powers over all FIA championships, including the FIA Formula 1 world championship, are held by the FIA. Any technical, sporting, or financial sanctions and/or changes to such regulations will be carried out following due process.”
The F1 governance is outlined in the Concorde Agreement, which includes a strict protocol for amending the regulations of grand prix racing.
Any proposed rule alterations must first be discussed and approved by the F1 Commission, which comprises teams, the FIA, and FOM (Formula One Management).
Amendments to the sporting or technical regulations for the next season, if made before April’s end, require approval by a simple majority of five teams, along with the FIA and FOM.
Modifications for the current season or the upcoming one, if proposed after April, necessitate a super majority of eight teams, plus FIA and FOM backing.
Regarding financial regulations, a simple majority is required for votes cast before the preceding year’s September end when the regulation takes effect. If the alteration is proposed after September, it requires the supermajority.
Once the F1 Commission approves any rule alterations, the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council must ratify these before they officially become part of the regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about F1 Reform Procedures
What has been the focus of recent scrutiny on the FIA’s structures and regulations for F1?
The focus has been on potential new team entrants, some aspects of the proposed 2026 regulations, and opinions on future engine regulations as they pertain to the transition to completely sustainable fuels.
What is F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali’s stance on breaches of the cost cap?
Stefano Domenicali believes that any infringements of the cost cap should be met with sporting sanctions rather than financial penalties.
What is the FIA’s position on potential changes to regulations or sanctions?
The FIA has stated that it will not deviate from established procedures when considering potential future changes to regulations or sanctions.
What body first discusses and approves changes to F1 regulations?
Any changes to the F1 regulations must first be discussed and approved by the F1 Commission, which is comprised of teams, the FIA, and FOM (Formula One Management).
What majority is needed for amendments to the sporting or technical regulations for the following season?
Changes to the sporting or technical regulations for the following season can be approved by a simple majority of five teams voting in favor, along with the FIA and FOM, if made before the end of April.
What is the process once the F1 Commission has approved any rule changes?
Once the F1 Commission approves any rule changes, they need to be ratified by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council before they officially become part of the regulations.
More about F1 Reform Procedures
- FIA Official Website
- F1’s Official Statement on Reform Calls
- Formula One Management (FOM)
- Understanding F1’s Cost Cap
- Details of F1’s 2026 Regulation Plans
- Interview with Stefano Domenicali on F1 Flow
- Concorde Agreement Explained
5 comments
Can’t help but wonder how this move to sustainable fuels will work out. they really need to get the new engine regulations right.
This whole drama reminds me why I love F1. Its not just about the racing, the behind the scenes politics is just as thrilling!
I’m all for change but let’s not forget how complex these regulations are. Its not like they can just flip a switch and change things overnight, people!
So stefano’s in favor of sportin penalties huh? Makes more sense than monetary fines, IMHO.
Gotta admit, never thought FIA would stick so rigidly to their procedures. kudos to them for not letting all the pressure sway them off course.