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.