F1 has revamped its regulations to handle rare qualifying cancellations, ensuring a structured grid-setting process for unpredictable race weekends.
Like the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix, the 2024 Brazilian GP highlighted how F1 can sometimes be dependent on conditions when organizing its race weekends. While it can always schedule qualifying on Sunday morning as an emergency measure, what would happen if the timed session could not take place before the race?
This time, the FIA has been proactive and adjusted the regulations starting this season, reaffirming that the fundamental principle for setting the starting grid is based on the order of the drivers’ championship standings. This rule also applies to Sprints if the Sprint Shootout does not take place.
However, if this method cannot be used—for instance, if it occurs at the first race of the year—the stewards will be responsible for determining the starting grid, deciding on the criteria to be applied.
The FIA has also specified in its regulations how drivers will be ranked if multiple competitors fail to set a time in a qualifying session. The primary criterion will remain the order in which they started their flying lap.
If they have not left their garage, they will be ranked according to the order from the previous qualifying session. For example, if two drivers suffer mechanical issues in Q2 and do not set a time in that segment, they will be classified based on their Q1 results.
Among the key regulatory changes, the FIA has also decided to remove the point for the fastest lap in the race. Introduced in 2019, this bonus has occasionally been a source of controversy, particularly when achieved by a driver outside the top 10, who did not receive the additional point. As a result, the federation has eliminated this rule.
“Since 2019, a driver finishing in the top 10 could earn a bonus point for setting the fastest lap in the race,” notes Formula 1.
“At times, this meant drivers continued pushing late to try to secure the reward or even made late pit stops for fresh tires to improve their chances.”
“But it also created the possibility for a car outside the top 10 to stop and take the point from another driver, even if they would not score it themselves. Given that the bonus has occasionally been a contentious issue, the decision was made to remove it from the scoring system this year.”
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No Qualifying? Here’s How the FIA Will Set the F1 Grid No Qualifying? Here’s How the FIA Will Set the F1 Grid No Qualifying? Here’s How the FIA Will Set the F1 Grid
