FIA set to introduce several rule tweaks in Zandvoort

The Dutch Grand Prix will see the introduction of a raft of minor tweaks to the sporting regulation after the FIA elected to implement few regulatory changes.

The changes will address various grey areas identified this season, including specifications for the braking system and the use of mule cars in Pirelli tests.

While drivers have been required to be on the grid 14 minutes before the start of the race for the anthem, they will need to arrive two minutes earlier. The minor tweak might address the problem that some drivers arrived late for the national anthem in the past months.

Furthermore, the FIA has clarified the safety equipment regulations. It means that the mechanics must always adhere to safety rules when working on cars. This clarification follows an incident from the Austrian Grand Prix where Mercedes was fined because the mechanics worked on Lewis Hamilton's car without the necessary equipment.

The FIA has also addressed penalties, stating that if a driver withdraws from a race and cannot serve a penalty, the penalty will carry over to the next race.

The tweak to the sporting rules was brought up by an incident involving Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard was penalized for forcing Carlos Sainz off the track in the sprint race, but he withdrew after receiving a 5-second penalty.

The governing body has also clarified the rules regarding cars stopping on track during qualifying or sprint sessions.

The need for a rule tweak was mentioned after the Chinese Grand Prix where Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz spun out, damaging his front wing and causing a red flag. Despite the situation, he managed to restart his car and return to the pits for repairs, allowing him to continue in the session.

Following the decision, Aston Martin lodged a protest, arguing that Sainz should have been disqualified from further participation due to the rules in place. It was later dismissed, and Sainz was able to start from the position he secured for the Shanghai race.

The FIA has now revised Article 39.6 of the regulations. The updated rule clarifies that drivers who can restart their cars without external assistance are allowed to continue in the session, while those who require help must retire.