Why did the FIA publish its guidelines for driving standards?

After the FIA published their Formula 1’s guidelines for driving standards and a document covering penalties, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem reckoned that the aim was to give "fans and members of the media a much deeper and more accurate insight into how decisions are made in Formula 1."

Ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, two key documents created to assist the stewards in their decision making have been shared openly by F1’s governing body, the FIA.

Firstly, the ‘Driving Standards Guidelines’ – which were introduced at the drivers’ request in 2022 – provide clarity on conduct across various racing situations, including overtaking on the inside and outside of corners and at chicanes or S-bends.

Also covered are topics such as impeding, moving under braking while battling for position, rejoining the circuit following an incident, conduct behind the Safety Car and track limits infringements.

The latest version of the ‘Driving Standard Guidelines’ was drafted following a meeting between the drivers at last year’s Qatar Grand Prix, organised by the FIA and the FIA F1 stewards.

In addition, the ‘Penalty Guidelines’ – in existence for more than a decade – lists around 100 common infringements, recommended penalties and the penalty points that should be applied during each session of a race weekend.

Reflecting on the two documents, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “FIA Stewards perform a hugely complex task, not just in Formula 1 but across all of our championships, and they do this voluntarily, with great passion and commitment.

"That dedication is all too often met with extreme and wholly unwarranted criticism. To demonstrate the rigour with which they pursue their role, we are today publishing the Penalty and Driving Standards Guidelines that assist them with their decisions.

"This will give fans and members of the media a much deeper and more accurate insight into how decisions are made in Formula 1," Sulayem continued.

"The Penalty Guidelines have been a core tool for almost a decade while the Driving Standards Guidelines introduced in 2022 and constantly updated have brought the most important voices, those of the drivers, to the table to create a genuine reference for certain racing situations.”

The FIA further stated: "While neither document has regulatory value, each has been drawn up to assist the Formula 1 Stewards in the objective of achieving fairness and consistency when considered alongside the FIA Formula 1 Regulations, video and technical evidence, Driver Steward input, and where appropriate, statements from drivers and teams involved in incidents.

"It is important to note that Stewards’ decisions are made independently of the FIA and are based solely on the applicable regulations, guidelines, and the evidence presented.

"In existence for more than a decade, the Penalty Guidelines list approximately 100 common infringements, recommended penalties and the appropriate penalty points that should be applied during each session of a race weekend.

"In most cases the penalties are not mandatory and fall within a range available to Stewards. The Penalty Guidelines are regularly updated, based on feedback from the Stewards, teams and drivers."

Speaking on behalf of the driver, Mercedes driver George Russell added: “Greater transparency within the governance of our sport is an important issue and this is a useful step in that direction.

"Hopefully it will be beneficial for the sport to give the media and fans a clearer understanding of the rules of engagement when we're racing on track, and to help them understand how the stewards reach their decisions.”