FIA tweaks Formula 1 penalty rules after Saudi Grand Prix

The FIA has reviewed the Formula 1 sporting rules and made key changes following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Fernando Alonso leaves pit lane in Jeddah. (Aston Martin)

Central to the review was the penalty imposed on Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin for touching the car while serving his 10-second penalty, and their subsequent right of review.

The FIA says the penalty was overturned “due to a lack of clarity in the wording of the relevant regulations and conflicting precedents, which were exposed by this specific incident,” and has tightened the definition of “working on the car” to include any action in which machinery or team members come into physical contact with the car in pit lane.

Alonso initial penalty was due to starting outside of his grid box, which Esteban Ocon also fell foul of in the Bahrain season opener.

The FIA has decided to widen grid boxes by 20cm from the Australian Grand Prix onwards, as well as trialling a centre line in the grid box during Free Practice to grant drivers greater visibility.

Several other elements of the regulations are also under review, which similar to the definition of “working on the car” have become precedent between teams without accompanying clarity in the sporting regulations.

The FIA says “other potential ‘common practices’ which may not be clearly defined or documented” will be reviewed over the course of the 2023 season.

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