Tweak for F1 rules after Abu Dhabi controversy

The FIA have tweaked the Formula 1 rulebook to avoid a repeat of the controversy which plagued the 2021 season-decider in Abu Dhabi.

The new Mercedes-AMG safety car for 2022. (Mercedes F1)

Article 55.13 of the Sporting Regulations has been revised such that it now reads: “If the clerk of the course considers it safe to do so, and the message 'LAPPED CARS MAY NOW OVERTAKE' has been sent to all Competitors using the official messaging system, all cars that have been lapped by the leader will be required to pass the cars on the lead lap and the Safety Car.”

The rule previously stated "…any cars that have been lapped…" with the word 'any' replaced by 'all' in the new wording.

While ultimately having the same meaning as the original regulations, it is aimed to avoid situations such as the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in which only the five cars between title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were allowed to unlap themselves.

The move by Race Director Michael Masi was seen by many as unfairly benefitting Verstappen, who went on to win the race and the drivers' championship.

The decision and result were appealed by the Mercedes F1 team, but the appeal was withdrawn and Verstappen stands as the champion.

While there is debate as to the advantage given to Verstappen, there is no doubt that the remaining three lapped cars–Daniel Ricciardo, Lance Stroll and Mick Schumacher, were impacted.

They effectively lost a lap of racing distance to their closest competitors.

There have also been other changes, including to post-race procedures and the points awarded for suspended races.

Drivers now must remain in their race suit until after the podium ceremony is complete, potentially to avoid any messages displayed on clothing underneath.

For races where only 50% to 75% of the full race distance is completed, fourth place will now get 10 points instead of the previous 9, with seventh now receiving four points instead of the previous 5.

The new points allocation for suspended races will be 19-14-12-10-8-6-4-3-2-1.