F1 bosses agree to new rule after Qatar health scares

F1 bosses agree to new rule after Qatar health scares

F1 bosses have agreed to the introduction of a “driver cooling kit”
for use from the 2025 season, following the health scares at the
2023 Qatar Grand Prix. With drivers pushing flat out as tyre stint
lengths were imposed by Pirelli, high g-forces and high air
temperatures combined to create punishing conditions, with Lance
Stroll claiming he lost consciousness behind the wheel of his Aston
Martin, as Esteban Ocon claimed he was sick in his helmet.  For
2024, to prevent a repeat, teams introduced further cooling scoops
to channel air to the drivers, with the F1 Commission, made up of
team bosses, FIA single-seat chief Nikolas Tombazis and F1 CEO
Stefano Domenicali agreeing to changes. “The commission has
approved a range of technical changes for the 2025 season,” began a
statement. “[It includes] the introduction of a driver cooling kit
when heat hazard gets declared following encouraging test results.
Elsewhere, for the 2025 sporting regulations, a “revised protocol”
for closing up the grid is to be introduced, whilst the idea for a
rookie sprint race will be further discussed for a potential 2026
introduction. For the financial rules, sustainability initiatives
are to be exempt from the cost cap for 2025. Article continues
below. F1 Commission meeting As for the 2026 regulations overhaul,
the Commission has made “significant” progress forward, with a
“cohesive framework” being agreed. Section A of the new rules is to
be the basis for the regulations, with Section B focusing on the
sporting regulations, that are to feature gender-neutral language.
The technical regulations are to be agreed by the time of the next
World Motor Sport Council meeting, whilst Section D of the
financial rules will “strengthen confidentiality provisions during
investigations.” All changes are subject to approval by the World
Motor Sport Council – WMSC.